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Ireland and Britain's "most dangerous" motorists are being targeted by a new measure that prevents them from driving across the border.
Motorists disqualified from driving in Northern Ireland, Britain or the Republic will now have the ban extended to all three jurisdictions after the Republic's transport minister Noel Dempsey signed an order facilitating the mutual recognition of driving bans.
Similarly, British and Northern Ireland drivers disqualified by southern courts will have their disqualifications recognised "in their home country".
Mr Dempsey said the authorities were sending out a "clear message" to the most dangerous drivers in the three jurisdictions.
"The mutual recognition of driving disqualifications marks a very significant road-safety measure because it aims to target some of the most dangerous drivers on our roads," he said.
"It is a good example of the cooperation that exists between our three jurisdictions and, separately, our joint determination to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads."
The order affects drivers disqualified over traffic offences that include reckless or dangerous driving, hit-and-run offences, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances which diminish a driver's ability, refusing to submit to alcohol and drug tests, speeding and driving a vehicle while disqualified.
