The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a professional driver’s complaint that the Road Safety Authority (Rsa) National Driver Licence Service (Ndls) discriminated against him by refusing to exchange his Portuguese-issued driving licence for an Irish one. The decision was dated 5 January 2026.
Leonardo De Oliveira Lima, a Brazilian national, said the refusal on race and family status grounds and victimisation threatened his livelihood and family life. The licence carried code 70, indicating it had originated in Brazil and been exchanged for a Portuguese licence. RSA said Irish regulations did not allow the exchange because Lima had not taken a driving test in Portugal or another recognised state. The adjudication officer found no sufficient evidence that race or family status affected the decision and concluded RSA had followed the legal requirements.