Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 8

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers' Scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

119 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by large numbers of severely disabled people in qualifying for the disabled drivers tax concession scheme; when the recommendations of the interdepartmental group examining this scheme will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27483/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am aware of the difficulties encountered by a number of people with disabilities who wish to avail of the scheme of reliefs from vehicle registration tax and value added tax on vehicles and from excise duty on fuel used by severely and permanently physically disabled persons as drivers and passengers.

In this regard in order to determine what modifications, if any, might be proposed to this scheme an interdepartmental group was established in April, 1998 under the chair of my Department. In addition to representatives of my Department, the group is composed of representatives of the Department of Finance and of the Department of Health and Children.

The group has met on a number of occasions and will be arranging to meet with representatives of a number of organisations and with a number of persons who have indicated a wish to make oral submissions. The information furnished at these listening meetings will facilitate the group in bringing its work to a conclusion and in finalising its report for consideration by the Department of Finance.