Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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96. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process by which drivers with epilepsy apply to renew their drivers licence; if the expiry date on their new licence will be based on when they applied or when their doctors assessment was carried out; if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68291/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the minimum standards of driving fitness for all drivers, with which all member states must comply, are set at EU level. These standards cover medical conditions that affect driving and set out restrictions on the ability to hold a licence.

Member states may, if they choose, apply higher standards in their own jurisdictions. The minimum standards of physical and mental fitness required to drive in Ireland are set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006).

As a road safety measure, individuals with medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive must submit a medical report to the National Driver Licencing Service (NDLS) when applying for or renewing a driving licence or learner permit. This requirement includes people with conditions such as epilepsy.

The medical report is considered by the NDLS when determining if a licence or permit can be granted or renewed. Where a licence is issued, the length of its validity is determined by the medical assessment. Currently, there is no issuing fee for a one year licence on medical grounds.

‘Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines’, have been developed to assist healthcare professionals to write medical reports and to provide guidance on reviewing the stability, progression or improvement in an individual’s medical condition. They are compiled by the Road Safety Authority, which has statutory responsibility for testing and licencing and for the NDLS, with the National Office for Traffic Medicine.

The Guidelines are updated regularly, to ensure compliance with emerging evidence in the medical literature and with harmonising standards set by EU Directives and adopted into Irish law. The most recent update, in April 2025, may be found at: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/slainte-agus-tiomaint-medical-fitness-to-drive-guidelines-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=2855c887_3.