Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers' Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the extremely rigid interpretation of the rules appertaining to qualification under the 1994 regulations in respect of disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions); if his attention has been further drawn to the extreme hardship caused to some people arising from the manner in which these regulations are now applied; if the review group have concluded its deliberations in the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I assume the Deputy is referring to the interpretation of the medical criteria governing the scheme and which are laid down in the 1994 regulations. As I have stated previously, the Minister for Finance has no role in the determination of whether a person does or does not comply with one of the six medical criteria necessary for qualification. That is a matter for judgment on the part of the senior area medical officer in the local health board. It is open to a person who is refused a primary medical certificate to appeal that decision to the medical board of appeal, an independent board whose decision is final. There is only one board of appeal and this helps to ensure uniformity in the outcome of the appeals process.

While I have no definite date for completion of the report of the interdepartmental review group, I hope that the receipt of written submissions which are due by 26 May 2000 will facilitate the group in its deliberations.