Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. I thank Senator O'Brien for raising this issue. There is universal agreement that safety should be the highest priority in all areas of transport. When it comes to safety on our roads, we have to consider a range of factors which may contribute to - or endanger - the safety of road users. One of the most important factors is the capacity of the driver behind the wheel.

Driver licensing exists to ensure there is a standard of driving which is required of people driving on our roads. Skills and experience are vital. As part of the overall concern which we must have for driver qualifications, we have to recognise that medical factors can and do have an impact on the ability to drive. The legislative framework for medical fitness to drive is set at EU level. Under this framework, drivers are required in certain circumstance to notify the national driver licensing service of particular medical conditions which might impact on their driving. In cases where people who are already licensed to drive, suffer an injury or develop an illness which may impact on their driving, they are required to notify the NDLS, and also their insurance provider. There is also a responsibility on medical professionals to advise patients if an illness or injury will have an impact on their driving. Dangerous driving is a serious offence and it is important that drivers with medical conditions which might impact on their driving are aware of this.

Last year, the Road Safety Authority published a detailed set of guidelines on health and fitness to drive entitled, Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines. This document is on the RSA's website and it is highly recommended. This document sets out in detail the responsibilities of drivers, health care professionals and the NDLS in relation to health factors and driving. This includes the correct approach in cases of injury.

Current practice requires the health care professional to inform the patient of an impact to his or her driving as a result of a medical or physical condition. Where appropriate - as it would be in the case of a loss of limbs - an assessment will be made as to whether the individual would be fit to drive with certain vehicle modifications, and what modifications would be appropriate. A GP may look for specialist opinion including that of an occupational therapist to be assured that any disability resulting from the loss of a limb or the loss of function can be mitigated so that the person can continue to drive.

In cases where a vehicle modification is required, the NDLS must be notified. There are several codes which can be marked on a licence to indicate the modifications which are required and the appropriate code will be added to the person's licence. The Minister is satisfied that the current is system is working well and that there is no need for the mandatory retesting suggested by the Senator. However, he is willing to retain an open mind and if evidence were to suggest that policy needed to change, he would of course consider it.