As the Deputy is aware, the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme is being reviewed by an interdepartmental group which is being chaired by an official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Officials from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and my Department are also represented on the group. As part of its deliberations, the group has heard oral submissions over a period of five and a half days and has received more than 260 written submissions from interested parties.
The Deputy will appreciate that the work of the review group is complex. While definitions of disability vary, I have been informed that there are up to 360,000 persons in Ireland who could be regarded as disabled to some degree or other. These include both persons with less severe medical conditions than those which are covered by the scheme and persons with medical conditions which are not covered by the scheme. The substantial tax benefits of the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' scheme make for considerable interest in and desire to be admitted to the scheme.
Therefore, many factors have to be taken into account by the review group and many interests balanced. This work and analysis takes time.
I have not received the final report and recommendations of the review group. I understand, however, that the work of the review group is at an advanced stage. As I have said in the past, I appreciate the difficulties faced in coping with everyday life by people who suffer from some form or other of physical disability. I assure the House that any proposals which may emanate from the review group, whether to widen the scope of the scheme or otherwise, will receive full consideration.