Vol. 541 No. 2
661 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of people over 70 years of age who have been refused renewal of their driving licence on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/01]
Applicants for driving licences who are 70 years of age or more must submit a medical report with an application for a driving licence and are restricted, depending on the certification of the doctor who completes the report, to either a one year or a three year driving licence. This requirement is considered reasonable and necessary in the interests of the individuals concerned, other road users and road safety generally. While formal review mechanisms are not provided for in relation to the above medical certification, it would be open to an applicant, or exceptionally to the licensing authority, to seek a second medical opinion.
Driving licences are administered by individual local authorities and information on the number of people over 70 years of age who have been refused renewal of their driving licence on medical grounds is not at present available to my Department.
