Momentum continues with increased mentions of reciprocal licences in the Oireachtas
The issue of reciprocal driver licence exchange agreements between Ireland and the United States has come up repeatedly in the Oireachtas this month. Here are the latest mentions, showing growing political recognition of how this policy gap affects returning emigrants.
Deputy Michael Collins (Cork South-West)
During a Dáil debate on the Cost of Motoring on 12 November 2025, Deputy Michael Collins highlighted the frustration faced by returning Irish citizens who cannot exchange their American driver licences for Irish ones. He described a case of a man who had lived and worked in Ireland for a year but was refused a licence due to an older transfer between U.S. states.
He warned that people from New York or Chicago cannot come back to work in this country because Ireland has no reciprocal arrangements for their licences.
Read the discussion →
Senator Conor Murphy
In the Seanad debate on International Development and the Diaspora on 6 November 2025, Senator Conor Murphy stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in diaspora-related funds and supports. He acknowledged the government’s ongoing work to strengthen engagement with Irish abroad, including progress towards reciprocal driver licence agreements with the United States.
Read full speech →
Minister of State Neale Richmond (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Speaking in the same Seanad debate, Minister of State Neale Richmond highlighted the government’s commitment to improving supports for the Irish diaspora. He confirmed that the Department is actively working on policies, including reciprocal driver licence exchange agreements, to facilitate easier return and integration for Irish citizens living abroad.
Read full speech →
Deputy Pádraig O’Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fáil)
On 4 November 2025, Pádraig O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport about steps toward establishing a reciprocal driver licence exchange agreement with the United States. The Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, Sean Canney, confirmed that work is underway to assess equivalency of U.S. state driving standards to allow formal agreements to be considered.
View official question →
What You Can Do
Support from citizens and all affected by this issue helps keep this issue on the Government’s radar. Here are a few constructive steps you can take:
Contact your local TD or Senator and mention the recent debates above. Politely ask that Ireland prioritize a reciprocal driver licence exchange agreement with the United States.
Reach out to the representatives named here—to thank them for raising the issue and encourage them to continue raising it. (Find their email addresses by clicking their linked names)
Share this article with family or friends affected by the lack of recognition of U.S. licences when returning to Ireland.
Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter if you have not yet.
