Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the circumstances in which a person under the age of 70 years may be required to undergo an eyesight test for the purpose of driving licence renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15988/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I cannot comment on individual cases, but the general position is as follows:

It is well established practice internationally that drivers should be required to undergo periodic medical and eyesight tests after a certain age. In Ireland, since 1964, the age of 70 has been the cut-off point, and applicants for a renewal of a driving licence after that age must provide a certificate of medical fitness and an eyesight report. Applicants for renewal of a driving licence who are below the age of 70 may be asked for an eyesight report in certain circumstances. All drivers should, in principle, meet minimum eyesight standards, as set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers)(Amendment)(No.2) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 544 of 2010). These minimum standards derive from EU law. Where drivers suffer from problems with visual acuity, field of vision, twilight vision, glare and contrast sensitivity, diplopia and other visual functions that can compromise safe driving, they should undergo a test when renewing their licence.

It is the responsibility of a person renewing a licence to notify the authorities of a condition which is newly appeared, and it is an offence to present false information. Where an applicant is already known to suffer from potentially progressive visual impairment, they are required to provide a new eyesight report at each licence renewal.