Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

25 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the interdepartmental review group on the disabled drivers and passengers tax concession scheme; when the group will be submitting its recommendations on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/00]

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

The deliberations of the interdepartmental group of officials engaged in a review of the scheme of relief's 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 is continuing.

The group was established in April 1998 under the chair of my Department. In addition to representatives of my Department, the group is comprised of representatives of the Department of Finance and of the Department of Health and Children.

Numerous written submissions have been made by organisations and by individual citizens for consideration by the group which will arrange to meet representatives of a number of organisations and those people who indicated a desire to make oral submissions. The date for such oral presentation has not yet been determined but 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 by the Department of Finance.