Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 3

Written Answers. - Driving Licences.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

57 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the cost of driving licences for senior citizens is discriminatory in comparison with the cost of a ten year licence for those under 60 years of age; the plans, if any, he has to reduce these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13140/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

Full driving licences are available for one, three and ten year periods and the charges are £4, £12 and £20, respectively.

The issuing of driving licences to older people is related to the particular requirements which they must fulfil. Over the age of 70, a medical certificate stating fitness to drive and valid for a one or three year period at the certifying practitioner's discretion is required. A one-year licence may be granted in exceptional circumstances where, for medical reasons, a longer-term licence cannot be granted. This medically related criterion also has implications for the issue of licences to persons aged between 60 and 70 years. Persons over 60 but under 67 years of age may apply either for a ten year licence which will expire when a person reaches 70 years or for a three year licence. Persons aged 67 or more may only apply for a three year licence.

As regards discrimination, I would not accept that older drivers are unduly penalised. The present costs of driving licences were fixed in 1989 and cannot be considered onerous in the context of motoring costs generally. On that basis I have no plans at present to alter the current arrangements.