Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Driving Licences.

Noel Ahern

Question:

111 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the annoyance of many people over 70 in relation to the cost of driving licences; if he will review this in the next budget and end the discrimination against elderly people who must pay £4 per year for a licence against £2 per year for most other people; the reason for the inconsistent way these charges are raised compared with passport fees where there is no discrimination on age grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

Driving licences are available for one, three or ten years on certain conditions. The present rates, which have remained unchanged since 1989, are £4, £12 and £20 respectively.

Special conditions must apply, for road safety reasons, to the issue of licences to older people under the terms of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations. The effect of this is to restrict the availability of the three year and ten year licences generally for the group in question. I am informed by my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government that he is examining the issue and will be communicating with me shortly.