The introduction of national regulations to make rear window wipers mandatory is not currently under consideration.
All cars entering the Irish fleet must conform to the European Communities Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) standard which includes the requirement to have wipers on the front of the vehicle under Directive 78/318/EEC (as amended). Rear wipers are not mandatory but are voluntarily fitted on most hatchbacks as this car body shape is more prone to a build up of water and dirt on the rear window due to its incline. Saloon cars generally have a more sloped rear window which is less prone to an accumulation of water and dirt and is essentially self cleaning. If Ireland was to mandate rear wipers (even though they are not required under ECWVTA), this could be viewed by the European Commission as a barrier to trade, thus infringing EU market legislation and leaving Ireland open to the possibility of penalties from the Commission.