Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Transport, Tourism, and Sport Marc Mac Sharry TD says that returning emigrants are being unfairly penalised under the current driving licence arrangements.
He commented, “Individuals returning home from the United States of America cannot exchange their valid American driving licences for the Irish equivalent.
“People in this situation, who may have emigrated to the US in the 70’s or 80’s and have decades of driving experience return home to be told they have to apply for a learner permit, undertake the mandatory 12 driving lessons, only drive with a full licence holder in their car, and then sit their driving test.
“There is a serious inconsistency in this system. Why are Irish citizens, drivers with a full US licence forced to go through the full application process like a teenager when people returning or emigrating from countries like Taiwan and South Korea can exchange their licences for an Irish one. This is a discriminatory practice and makes no sense.
“People wishing to return home from abroad should not be penalised by excessive red tape and nonsensical processes which makes life more difficult for them. Minister Ross must address the anomalies without delay,” he concluded.
