Vol. 522 No. 2
63 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether only a small number of disabled drivers are able to take advantage of the disabled drivers tax concession scheme; when the interdepartmental group reviewing the scheme was established; when it is expected to report; and if he will extend the scheme to cover the very many disabled people who cannot avail of the current scheme. [18059/00]
The number of beneficiaries under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme is in the region of 5,400. The cost of relief in 1999 was £17 million, as compared to £4 million in 1994, which shows that the scheme is being used extensively by those who qualify. There are up to 350,000 persons in Ireland who could be regarded as disabled to some degree. Not all of these would wish to drive or be able to drive.
The interdepartmental group was established in April 1998 under the chair of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I hope to receive their report later in the year. Pending receipt of the report, I do not consider it prudent to make further comment on the scheme.
