Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tax Reliefs.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

236 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting period for hearing of appeals under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations is now in the region of seven to eight months; if he has satisfied himself that such delay in conducive to the best interests of disabled persons seeking to benefit under these regulations; the steps he will take to put in place a speedier appeals process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

My Department has no involvement in the operation of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. However, I am informed that there is currently a backlog of appeals to be dealt with by the board and that this has resulted in delays of over six months between the date of appeal to the board and the offer of an appointment. At present there are approximately 270 persons on the waiting list and this is an indication of the level of demand for tax relief under the scheme as evidenced by the fact that in the first nine months of this year, over 1200 new applicants were admitted to the scheme. I am afraid that there is no obvious solution to the problem which seems to be exacerbated by the fact that many of those who appeal to the board are aware that they do not meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations but still insist on exercising their right of appeal. As the Deputy is aware, an inter-departmental group is currently examining all aspects of the scheme and will furnish a report in due course.