Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

371 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no disabled drivers' medical board of appeal and, as a result, there is a huge backlog of appeals; the plans, if any, there are to deal with the backlog; the extra resources, if any, which will be made available to the board; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the appeals are centred in Dublin and most of the appellants find it extremely difficult to travel to Dublin; if he will appoint a regional appeal board in view of the fact that it would help to alleviate the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9358/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I expect to be in a position to appoint a medical board of appeal very shortly, following receipt of nominations from my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children. While I am aware that there is currently a backlog of cases awaiting hearing, and I appreciate that some inconvenience may be casued to individuals, I expect that this backlog will be cleared, without undue delay, following the appointment of the board. I do not intend to appoint a regional board.

The appeals board, which services the entire country generally meets in Dublin as, I have been informed, it is the most suitable location for the majority of appellants. The board can only justify the expense of meeting in another location if the number of appeals is sufficiently large in that location or from the surrounding area. The board has met on two occasions in Cork.