Vol. 525 No. 2
496 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the way in which a person (details supplied) in County Galway will get a car for £3000 adapted for his disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24216/00]
The motorised transport grant scheme provides assistance to eligible people with disabilities who need a car to gain or retain employment. In certain cases it may also be granted to disabled persons living in very isolated circumstances who have serious transport problems. The grant is intended as a contribution towards the purchase or adaptation of motorised transport. Payment of the grant is subject to a means test. At present the maximum grant available is £3,171. The assessment of entitlement to a motorised transport grant in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board.
In this regard, I have had inquiries made of the Western Health Board concerning this matter and I understand that the applicant meets the criteria for the grant. I have also been informed that the board has advised the applicant that his application will be processed on production of an invoice for the purchase of the vehicle and a current driving licence.
In addition to the motorised transport grant scheme, there exists a scheme drawn up by the Minister for Finance under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994. Under these regulations severely and permanently disabled persons may be entitled to repayment of vehicle registration tax and value added tax paid on specially constructed or adapted vehicles. Excise duty paid on fuel used in such vehicles may also be repaid, subject to certain limits and conditions. These regulations also provide for relief from motor tax.
To qualify, a person's disability must conform to the medical criteria as specified in the above regulations which are not set by the Department of Health and Children. The senior area medical officer for the relevant health board area will issue a primary medical certificate if he-she is satisfied that the applicant fulfils the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance's Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994. This role is to assist the operation of the Revenue scheme.
Further details of this scheme and an application form may be obtained from the Disabled Drivers Section, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Coolshannagh, Monaghan, County Monaghan which operates under the aegis of the Department of Finance.
Question No. 497 taken with Question No. 115.
Question No. 498 taken with Question No. 408.
