Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1993

Written Answers. - Driving Licence Requirement.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

130 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason a photograph is required for the renewal of a driver's licence in respect of old age pensioners every three years, while all others, particularly young people, are required to provide a photograph for the renewal of their licence every ten years; his views on whether this requirement of the provision of a photograph for the renewal of a driver's licence is necessary in the case of elderly people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

The requirement to have a photograph of the holder on a driving licence is prescribed in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989 and is also laid down in the Second EC Directive on driving licences. In addition, the requirement is seen as a necessary security feature of the licence.

The regulations prescribe that a person of 60 years of age or under is entitled to a ten year licence while persons over 60 may be granted a licence up to the age of 70. A person of 67 years of age or over may be granted a three year licence subject, in the case of a person of 70 years of age or over, to a satisfactory medical report.

The photograph on a licence cannot be reused because of the manner of its attachment to the licence.