To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the application of driving disqualifications imposed in Great Britain on Northern Ireland driving licence holders. [13018]

Separate legislation governs the issue of driving licences in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland. There is mutual recognition throughout the United Kingdom of driving licences issued under both jurisdictions, however, there is no provision in the legislation for a driving disqualification incurred in one jurisdiction to be recognised in the other. Accordingly, a Northern Ireland driving licence holder disqualified in Great Britain cannot drive there, but can continue to drive in Northern Ireland. The reverse is also the case. This situation has obvious road safety implications for Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its resolution will require primary legislation to apply to both jurisdictions. It is intended to take this forward at the earliest opportunity.