Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the numbers of persons over the age of 70 applying for renewal of their driver licence; if provision will be made to have free medical examinations made available for this group as this is a requirement for the renewal of their licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4153/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred that part of the Deputy's question which relates to numbers of applicants over 70 to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

In regard to costs for over 70s, the licence itself is free for applicants over that age.  The requirement to obtain a medical report if renewing a driving licence is based on sound and long-standing practice, and international evidence of the risk of medical deteriorations due to age impacting on driving ability.  I believe that it is very important that we retain this requirement.

The cost of the medical report is a matter for the medical profession, and does not come within my remit.  I do not have any funds available to subsidise this cost.