Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons persons are required to undergo separate eye tests for the purposes of driving licence renewal; when this obligation came into force; the exact recipient of the test fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12207/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Current rules require that a person applying for a first learner permit for car and motorbike category must submit an eyesight report. In addition, everyone over 70 years of age must submit a medical report which incorporates an eyesight test. Those licence applicants who suffer from serious eyesight diseases, including diplopia, defective binocular vision or serious loss of visual field must also submit a medical report with an application for a driving licence or learner permit. Applicants for truck and bus licence categories must supply a medical report incorporating an eyesight test with every application for a permit or a licence.

Rules regarding eyesight requirements for various categories of driving licence were most recently amended by the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers)(Amendment)(No.2) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 544 of 2010). These changes were introduced in order to comply with EU standards. Regular examinations are required for licence renewals in cases where progressive eye diseases have been identified. In practice, where a doctor is satisfied they can certify that eyesight meets the standard. In cases where a doctor has concerns, he or she will refer the person to a consultant or ophthalmologist for further testing. Neither my Department nor any body under the aegis of my Department has any role in determining fees payable to the medical professional.