I have no plans to make any amendments to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme at this point in time. As the House is aware, this scheme is under review by an interdepartmental group which is chaired by an official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In addition to representatives from that Department, the group has representatives from my own Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Revenue Commissioners. As I am on record as saying in this House, I appreciate the difficulties which people who suffer from some disability face in coping with everyday life. There are very many people with various forms of disability who would consider themselves as having a genuine case for the tax relief. Given the level of the benefits available under the scheme, the cost is quite considerable and extending it further would present any Minister for Finance with some dilemmas. The total number of beneficiaries under the scheme is in the region of 5,400 and the cost to the Exchequer in 1999 was in the region of £17 million. The interdepartmental review group is trying to resolve the issues involved.
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 indicated a desire to make oral submissions. The date for such oral presentations has not yet been determined, but it is likely to be in the coming months. The information furnished at these meetings will facilitate the group in bringing its work to a conclusion and in finalising its report for consideration.