Write a commentTodays report by the Association of British Insurers warning that motorists from Northern Ireland may need a green card to drive in the South has already caused a lot of heated debate.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has claimed that the report is contrary to what he has been told by the Irish Government.
Mr McNulty said, "The warning today by the Association of British Insurers is concerning for motorists, especially for those of us from border communities who often cross the border many times each day. It could potentially become a bureaucratic nightmare.
"However, I am puzzled and concerned by this warning, because it runs contrary to the advice I received from the Irish Government. That advice stated categorically that no further permit, including the International Diving Permit will be required. Therefore, the ‘green card’ requirement warned about today is not a legal requirement but rather a business decision.
The MLA continued "I raised the issue relating to the need for driver permits with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD last year and in October I received assurance from him that the driver permit will not be required. Today’s advice from the Association of British Insurers is purely a business decision, it’s a way of making money out of Brexit rather than a legal requirement.
"‘Urgent clarification from the association is required. The uncertainty is unsettling and unhelpful, and the association must clarify why this is required and on what legal basis. This is just another example of the chaos and uncertainty being created by Brexit."
