Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the way in which articulated lorry drivers with sight in only one eye are only learning that their licence can no longer be renewed given the passing of legislation in recent years (details supplied). [37285/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The most recent changes to the eyesight standards required to obtain a driving licence were made in 2010, by the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (SI 544 of 2010). These Regulations, to amend the medical criteria for fitness to drive, gave effect to Commission Directive 2009/113/EC.

Notification of the Regulations was published in national newspapers and in Issue 93 of Iris Oifigiuil, the official means used by the Government for announcing statutory instruments, in November 2010. 

Medical standards for professional truck drivers are more stringent than those applied to car drivers. Drivers with monocular vision cannot obtain or renew a category C (truck) driving licence. This matter was previously referred to the European Court of Justice, which determined that the minimum eyesight standards of the EU Directive (point 6.4 of Annex III to Directive 2006/126/EC, as amended) was compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, concerning equality before the law, non-discrimination on grounds of disability and the integration of people with disabilities.

It is the responsibility of individuals in any occupation, particularly those in which lives are at stake such as professional drivers, to ensure that they are fully aware of the safety and regulatory requirements of their profession.

However, it is also clear that public bodies should ensure that individuals are made aware of changes that might fundamentally affect their ability to earn a livelihood. The current situation is equally clearly unsatisfactory and I appreciate the Deputy bringing it to my attention.  I have therefore asked my officials to direct the RSA, which carries out the driving licensing function on my behalf, to notify holders of HGV and bus/coach licences of any changes that may affect them well in advance from now on.