2. After paragraph (8) of regulation 51 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(1) there shall be inserted–
“(8A) Diabetes requiring insulin treatment is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(4)(b) of the Order in the case of a person who–
(a)is an applicant for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in sub-category C1 or C1+E (8.25 tonnes);
(b)held such a licence on 31st December 1996; and
(c)satisfies the Department that since commencing treatment with insulin, and whilst in employment for the purpose, he has had sufficient recent experience in the driving of vehicles in sub-category C1 or C1+E (8.25 tonnes) to make practicable an assessment of the risk posed by his driving vehicles of those classes, provided that he satisfies the conditions mentioned in paragraph (8B).
(8B) The conditions referred to in paragraph (8A) are that–
(a)the Department was aware on 31st December 1997 that he suffered from that disability;
(b)he has experienced no hypoglycaemic episodes while driving;
(c)he makes an arrangement to undergo at intervals of not more than 12 months an examination by a hospital consultant specialising in the treatment of diabetes and so far as is reasonably practicable conforms to that arrangement;
(d)his application is supported by a report from such a consultant sufficient to satisfy the Department that he has a history of responsible diabetic control with a minimal risk of incapacity due to hypoglycaemia during his normal working hours;
(e)he regularly monitors his condition while employed in driving vehicles in sub-category C1 or C1+E (8.25 tonnes); and
(f)the Department is satisfied that the driving of such a vehicle in pursuance of the licence is not likely to be a source of danger to the public.”.
S.R. 1996 No. 542 to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations