Vol. 532 No. 4
287 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if an application under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can be re-examined in view of the evidence supplied. [8053/01]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme, that they have not received an application for the tax relief from the person concerned. It is a fundamental requirement for admission to the scheme that the applicant must meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations governing the scheme, and be in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer, who is an official of the local health board. Where the issue of the certificate is refused, this may be appealed to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, an independent body whose decision is final.
I understand that the issue of a primary medical certificate was refused in this case and that this refusal was appealed to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. The person concerned was examined by the board on 27 October 1999 and was found not to meet the specified medical criteria at that time. It is regretted that an application under the scheme cannot be considered without the issue of a primary medical certificate. It is open to any person to reapply for the certificate to the appropriate senior area medical officer, especially where it is felt that the medical criteria for the relief may now be met.
