While my Department is responsible for drafting the legislation underpinning the disabled parking scheme it has no role in the processing of permit applications.
SI No. 239 of 2011 - Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 formally authorises the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) to issue permits on the Department's behalf. The Department has no involvement in or sight of the applications processed by these bodies and is thus not in a position to comment on the volume received.
I would recommend that the Deputy request this information from the issuing bodies directly.