Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
399 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Transport the extra requirements for drivers over 70 to obtain driving licences; the reason rules exist regarding medical requirements and so on; the reason and when these rules came into being; and his views on whether the age limit should be increased to 75 or 80 or eliminated in view of the fact that some senior citizens regard it as discriminatory, degrading and unnecessary. [20397/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersons over 70 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 three-year driving licence. This requirement has been included since 1964 in driver licensing regulations made under the Road Traffic Act 1961. It is in line with general EU requirements regarding periodic medical assessment of licence holders and is in the interests of the individuals concerned, other road users, and road safety generally.
