Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers Scheme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

208 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to fact that appellants must wait several months for assessment appointments with the medical board of appeal in relation to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994; the steps he will take to reduce the delay in determination of such appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10788/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 153 dated 4 April, 2000.

In 1999, 170 appeals were considered by the Disabled Drivers' Medical Board of Appeal, of which only 15 were successful. Many persons who do not meet the basic criteria of the scheme make an appeal request. This factor is tending to create difficulties for the appeals board. An interdepartmental group is reviewing the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme.