asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending the Finance Act, 1968 and any amending Acts or Regulations which govern exemptions from road tax or excise duty on cars for disabled drivers, except where they are wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs, to include such exemptions for other disabled drivers where disablement consists of loss of one or both arms or portions thereof, in view of the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, who was severely beaten and raped as a result of which, one of her arms was amputated below the elbow; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers Relief Provisions.
66.
I have every sympathy for persons who find themselves in the situation referred to by the Deputy. The difficulty arises from the wording of present legislation which requires that a person be "wholly, or almost wholly, without the use of each of his legs" in order to qualify for road tax exemption. I am not satisfied with this provision and I am having it looked at with a view to adopting a more rational approach.
I am anxious that relief provisions benefiting disabled drivers should be rationalised as far as possible to produce a better service for the disabled and cut down on unnecessary administration. Tax repayments of the kind currently operated by the Revenue Commissioners are not the most effective way of providing such reliefs. On my initiative discussions are taking place with the Department of Health with a view to establishing under the aegis of the Minister for Health a comprehensive restructured scheme of assistance for disabled drivers. Disabilities such as those mentioned by the Deputy will be borne in mind when any amendments of legislation or regulations required as a result of these discussions are being considered.