Minister for Diaspora “keen on progressing” reciprocity

Minister Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, has spoken in favor of establishing reciprocity for driving licenses with US states. Speaking during a Seanad debate on diaspora issues, Minister Richmond said:

We have heard the calls to make it easier to exchange driving licences and get a PPS number while outside the country. I chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental committee on the Irish abroad just last week. The civil society members briefed the committee on the challenges faced by returning emigrants, particularly from the United States, due to difficulty in accessing Irish driving licences. It was positive to hear from the Department of Transport that Australian and a majority of Canadian licences can now be exchanged. The committee is now considering how best to engage with key US states. This is something I am very keen on progressing during my time in my new role. I assure Senators of this commitment. We will look at other EU member states. Germany, for example, has had success with up to seven US states. Likewise, work continues in the Department of Social Protection to facilitate access to PPS numbers for returning emigrants. Updates on these and other challenges will be standing items on the agenda at future meetings of the committe

Neale Richmond T.D.

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development & Diaspora

Speaking in the Houses of the Oireachtas March 5th 2025