A loophole in the law that prevents holders of British driving licences from being taken off the road for offences committed in this State is to be closed.
A deal is being finalised with Britain to ensure that British and Northern Irish drivers who break the rules in this jurisdiction can have their licences removed.
Dublin North West Fianna Fáil TD, Pat Carey said he has received assurances from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern that a deal will be done shortly.
Mr Carey - who is also co-chair of the British-Irish Inter Parliamentary Body - said: "The deal will ensure that drivers who cross the Border or travel here across the Irish Sea will no longer be able to carry out road offences here without fear of being penalised."
He said that in addition to driving bans, officials are working on proposals to ensure British motorists who break rules here can also have penalty points placed on their licences or be pursued for the payment of fines.
"The officials are due to draw up recommendations in the coming weeks. This action will close a major loophole which saw holders of British licences effectively drive with immunity on Irish roads," he said.
"It is important if we are to improve road safety that the rules are applied to everyone and that no motorist can ignore the law and escape punishment", added Mr Carey.
