Emer Currie
Ceist:421. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is considering proposals to address a barrier (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (421, 424)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the Irish- US Drivers Licence Exchange Campaign Report examining the barriers faced by thousands of Irish Emigrants returning home and American citizens working in Ireland as they seek to acquire an Irish Licence, his plans to engage with the three major recommendations contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 424 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that I have noted the recommendations of the Irish-US Driver's Licence Exchange Campaign Committee, as outlined in its recent report.
Someone who is resident in Ireland must hold an Irish or other EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. While a visitor to Ireland can use a non-EU/EEA licence, provided it is current and valid, on taking up normal residence here they must exchange their licence or apply for an Irish licence.
To ensure the safety of Irish road users, it is vital that Ireland only provides for licence exchange from a non-EU/EEA jurisdiction through a licence exchange agreement, made following a detailed examination of that country's licensing and testing regime, and engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required in order to conduct such an examination. In addition, where an agreement is reached, formal engagement is required with the other country during the application process to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
Entering into a licence exchange agreement with a non-EU jurisdiction is not a straightforward process and reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will. The core principle in considering an agreement is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users.
In considering a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are comparable with our own. Where they do not meet these standards, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. From the Irish side, the Road Safety Authority has the task of conducting the independent technical assessment of comparing the two licensing regimes.
Irish licences are normally issued for 10 years, though they may be issued for a shorter period in certain circumstances, such as on health grounds. Under the Road Traffic (Licencing of Drivers) Regulations 2006, as amended, someone who is resident in Ireland may apply to renew their Irish licence within 10 years of its expiry.
People with a non-exchangeable licence, who come to reside in Ireland, must obtain an Irish licence to drive here. However, a person with a full but non-exchangeable licence can avail of a shorter learning to drive process (6 Essential Driver Training lessons instead of 12 and no minimum period of 6 months before taking a driving test), in recognition of their previous driving experience.
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia. Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, in order to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements. Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
It should be noted that the new EU Driving Licence Directive, 2025/2205, allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide licence exchange agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange arrangements with non-EU jurisdictions.