Donegal Senator Niall Blaney has welcomed a commitment from Government that there will be no need for over-70s to retake their driving tests.
It follows a European Union proposal that over-70s may have to take refresher courses or medical tests to keep their driving licences.
However, Senator Blaney says the EU proposal will not be applied here in Ireland.
“In reply to my deep concerns I received correspondence from the Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers TD informing me that the Department has no plans at the present time to change the age at which an applicant for a driving licence in Ireland must supply a medical report and undertake a refresher course, which is currently set at 75 years of age.”
“Minister Chambers also confirmed to me in writing that ‘Drivers under 75 will not have to supply a medical report confirming their fitness to drive, unless they have an identified or specified illness or are required to do so by law.’ I was also informed that the new EU directive is not mandatory for member states and that the current system in Ireland for older drivers will remain in place.”
“I very much welcome the Government’s response to this proposal, and I very much hope that the current status quo is never altered,” the Senator said.
