Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 4

Written Answers. - Driving Licences for Persons Over 70.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

125 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason persons over 70 years of age are compelled to apply for a driving licence and submit two photographs and a certificate of fitness at a total cost of £20 each year, while people under the age of 70 years can get a ten year licence for £20; if, in view of this anomaly he will now consider allowing people over 70 years the same privilege of applying for a ten year licence for £20 and only make it mandatory for them to submit a certificate of fitness each year during that ten year period to their respective licensing authority or to his Department.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Under the Road Traffic (Licensing and Drivers) Regulations, 1989, a person over 70 years of age is entitled to a three year driving licence, which costs £12, provided such person's fitness to drive is certified by a medical doctor for a three year period. Only if such person's medical certification is limited to one year is that person's entitlement reduced to a one year licence, which costs £4. I consider these provisions to be reasonable and I have no proposals to change them.