Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 734: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an old age pensioner has to pay more for the renewal of their driver's licence compared to a younger person (details supplied). [29606/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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While I have responsibility for the policy aspects of driver licensing, the cost of medical tests is outside my remit. As far as the cost of obtaining a driving licence is concerned, there is no fee chargeable for those renewing their licence over the age of 70. There are sound and internationally recognised reasons for requiring regular eye and medical test for older drivers, as has been the practice in this jurisdiction since 1964. As deterioration due to ageing can have detrimental effects on driving skills, it is generally recognised in Ireland, the EU and elsewhere that it is prudent to require medical certification of fitness to drive on a periodic basis for older drivers.