Gerald Nash
Question:78. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the legislative basis for a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23740/22]
View answerWednesday, 11 May 2022
Questions (78)
Written answers
Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006) sets out the aspects and standards of physical and mental fitness required to obtain a driving licence. The most recent changes to the eyesight standards were made in 2010, by the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (SI 544 of 2010). These Regulations, to amend the medical criteria for fitness to drive, gave effect to European Commission Directive 2009/113/EC.
Medical standards for professional truck drivers are more stringent than those applied to car drivers. Drivers with monocular vision cannot obtain or renew a category C (truck) driving licence. This matter was previously referred to the European Court of Justice, which determined that the minimum eyesight standards of the EU Directive (point 6.4 of Annex III to Directive 2006/126/EC, as amended) were compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, concerning equality before the law, non-discrimination on grounds of disability and the integration of people with disabilities.