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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Driving Licence Applications.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

273 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position for driving licence applications for people who suffer from diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7016/98]

Under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989, eligibility for a driving licence for persons suffering from diabetes is subject to certification of fitness to drive by a registered medical practitioner. Fitness to drive may be certified for a limited period only so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision. Fitness may not be certified where the applicant is affected by ocular, nervous or cardiovascular complications or uncompensated acidosis.

In the case of the higher categories of vehicles, i.e. those exceeding 3½ metric tonnes design gross weight, buses and minibuses, fitness to drive may not be certified if the applicant needs insulin treatment.

The restrictions on driving for persons with diabetes are currently being reviewed in the context of the making of amending regulations to meet outstanding requirements of the second EU directive on driving licences and having regard to advances made in the treatment of diabetes in recent years. These amending regulations will be made later this year.

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