Vol. 553 No. 6
139 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending eligibility under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Concessions Regulations to Down's syndrome sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14960/02]
The disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' scheme is currently under review by an interdepartmental group which is chaired by an official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The group is examining all aspects of the scheme, including the qualifying medical criteria. The Deputy will appreciate that the work of this review group is very complex. 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.
I have been informed 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 medical conditions other than those which are covered by the scheme, and those with medical conditions 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.
Many factors have to be taken into account by the review group and many interests balanced. Any proposals, whether to widen the scope of the scheme or otherwise, which may emanate from the review group will receive full consideration.
