Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Disabled Drivers.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

186 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will appoint an additional appeal board in order that those who are adjudged by their local health boards not to meet the medical criteria under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, can have their appeals to the National Rehabilitation Board dealt with expeditiously in view of the fact that there is a long waiting list and it can take six to seven months before an appointment can be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18798/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

It is a fundamental requirement for relief under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Regulations, 1994, that the disabled person must meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations and be in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer. Where the issue of the required medical certificate is refused, an appeal can be made to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. This is an independent board whose decision is final. While I understand that there is a long waiting list at present I have no plans to appoint an additional appeal board. If the appeal board were to ask for such an additional facility, I would of course be prepared to consider this.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

187 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to extend the medical criteria for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, in order that additional categories of disabled people can benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18799/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, this scheme is under review by an interdepartmental group chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I understand that this review is not yet completed. It would be imprudent of me to consider any amendments to the scheme until such time as the review is completed and its content is given due consideration.

Bernard Allen

Question:

188 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork has been refused concessions under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994. [18800/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the scheme under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, is operated on a day-to-day basis by the Revenue Commissioners.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of an application by the person concerned for benefit under the regulations.

It is a fundamental requirement for relief under the above regulations that the disabled person must meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations and be in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer. An application for relief under the regulations may not be considered by the Revenue Commissioners without the issue of the required certificate.

In the case of the person referred to, I understand that the issue of the required certificate has been refused and that this refusal was appealed to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. This is an independent board whose decision is final. I understand that the person was examined by the board of appeal on 16 July 1999. The board upheld the decision of the senior area medical officer.