Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to implement a jury recommendation arising from a case (details supplied); and the date on which his Department last reviewed the criteria in the medical supervision of mentally ill patients in the context of driving vehicles and-or the application and or granting of a licence to drive a vehicle on a public road. [42379/21]
View answerI have not had sight of any recommendation from the Coroner's Court on this matter. As the newspaper report supplied by the Deputy does not indicate that the jury made a specific recommendation in relation to driver licensing, the Deputy may wish to forward the text of the recommendation to me and I will consider any issues raised in relation to driving licences.
To drive a vehicle, a driver must meet strict medical standards. Driver fitness standards are developed on foot of EU law and international best practice. This includes any serious mental health conditions that might impair their ability to drive a vehicle safely (Annex 3 of EU Directive 2006/126/EU defines minimum standards of mental and physical fitness for driving).
On application for or renewal of a learner permit or driving licence, an applicant is asked a range of questions about medical conditions or disabilities that may affect their ability to drive. The response to those questions will dictate whether there is a need for medical certification by a GP to grant, refuse or impose restrictions on a licence or permit.
The Irish guidelines, Sláinte agus Tiomáint – Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, are reviewed and updated annually, most recently in April 2021. The information in these Guidelines is intended to assist doctors and other healthcare professionals in advising their patients on fitness to drive, requirements for reporting to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and guidance on review of stability, progression or improvement in these conditions. Chapter 2 of the Guidelines specifically details the roles and responsibilities of drivers, health professionals and the NDLS.
