So should drivers have to redo the theory test every 10 years?

The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. If someone isn't capable of getting one in two years, they're either not particularly bothered by the routine bureaucracy (license, motor tax, NCT, insurance, doctor/eyesight certs, etc) involved in driving in Ireland, or they've actually proven themselves incapable of passing a pretty simple multiple-choice questionnaire on the rules that allow us to operate heavy machines at speed in close proximity to each other with reasonably acceptable levels of safety.
I don't want be sharing the roads with such people.

But you do all the same. Must be difficult. See below quote from an EU Commission Report on Driving Licences. Don't tell anyone

Theory test

In a theory test the candidate needs to demonstrate that he/she has a good and thorough understanding of the traffic systems and the rules that apply. Although it can be assumed that this understanding will probably improve the quality of a driver's decisions, the relative contribution of this test to overall safety has not yet been studied, and hence no conclusions can be drawn about its effectiveness

Not practical suggestion

Resources required to re test everyone going to be massive waste.

What would be useful is a re test for any penalty points.

Plus 1, there are no resources and huge backlog now. Also the number of people driving with no licence whatsoever mean enforcement is the problem, and the amount of people caught who are actually already banned is alarming . The amount of people who pass first test in school car (ie 1.0 lt fiesta ) and then go and buy a very powerful car or an EV which are very fast to respond,they should be made stick to whatever size engine they passed test in for 12 months, like the N or even L very few people display these anyway.

As regards retesting over 70s, how many do you think would pass? very hard to change habits at that age, so do we stop them driving, even to the shops?

I am mid 60s and have been driving nearly 40 years averaging nearly 80k a year and never a problem, and I have a D licence passed last year and an advanced one , also did the blue light course for a volenteer role all either renewed or passed in the past 2 years,

The amount of bad driving on the roads is getting alot worse in my opinion, and over all ages , alot even ignore blue lights especially SUVs and taxis and cycles.

We need to enforce laws we have ,before adding more and getting more revenue, also the country roads are in a terrible state, potholes big enough to drown in and on corners ,what happens when someone pulls out to avoid one and hits another car.

Ireland is awash with money and waste most of it, spend some on proper roads.

A theory test could be done online, and be implemented quickly enough.

This is a no brainer IMO.

As regards retesting over 70s, how many do you think would pass? very hard to change habits at that age, so do we stop them driving, even to the shops?

Given that the over 70's in Ireland never passed a test in the first place perhaps getting them to understand the rules of the road may not be a bad thing?

Again, if someone does not know the basic rules of the road, should they be allowed on our roads? Some people say YES! But that is nuts tbh.

Is it not self-evident?

If someone does not understand the basic rules of the road and cannot pass a basic theory test to confirm that they do, should the be allowed to drive a car anyway?

Why do we have a theory test in the first place? You argument seems to stem that it doesnt matter, so lets just abolish the theory test.. as if that will make our roads safer.

OK, so not really a big problem. They could use expand it to other test centres if there is a considerable backlog.

So, it looks like backlog will be huge once new law is implemented. So, it is good time now to book your theory and driving tests even if your licence expires in 3 years

What new law? This is a proposal from an opposition party. Unless I've read it wrong.

Given that Ireland is often a laggard when it comes to implementing new fangled ideas, I presume repeating the theory test on driving licence renewal is the norm in other progressive safe countries

An expensive privilege which is also a vital necessity for many.

It should not be withdrawn on the basis of a test where no law has been broken and no medical/eyesight issue exists.

So people who dont know the basic rules of the road, should continue to drive.

No wonder the standard of driving is so bad with attitudes like that.

Why apply any age to it? Plenty of rubbish driving out there from all ages, every 10 years would be the ideal IMO, trouble is our system is incredibly inefficient and such a rule would bring the test times to a ridiculous level.