The operation of the driver licensing system is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and I cannot comment on individual cases. As far as the law is concerned, car drivers in the age range 60 to 67 may apply for a licence which expires at 70. From 67-69 they may apply for a three-year licence. In neither case is a medical report required. The legislation requires a medical report if the applicant will be 70 or more on the day of commencement of the licence. However, in circumstances where there is a condition or a history of conditions which the legislation requires be notified in a licence application, a medical report would be required from an applicant who is under 70.
The circumstances described by the Deputy should not therefore arise. A person of 66 at the time of the commencement of the licence should receive a licence valid until they turn 70, and should not be asked for a medical report unless they have a condition, or a history of a condition, which requires notification. In the latter case their existing licence should have a code 101 on it, indicating that renewal is subject to a medical report.