Vol. 539 No. 3
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for primary medical certification in respect of Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Regulations 1994 received in each community care area under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the past three years; the number of such applications approved, rejected or still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19512/01]
As you are aware, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, were drawn up by the Minister for Finance and come under the remit of the Revenue Commissioners. The Department of Health and Children has no statutory responsibility for the regulations or their operation.
To qualify, a person must meet the medical criteria 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 she-he 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.
Information regarding application for primary medical certification is not collated in my Department. In the circumstances, I have asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to forward the relevant information to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
