Paul Bradford
Question:130 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Finance his views on the report of the Ombudsman concerning the disabled drivers tax concession scheme. [24779/01]
Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers.
Once legislation governing the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme is enacted, its administration and appeal process are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Ombudsman recently published a report concerning his investigation of complaints against the Revenue Commissioners about the refusal of tax relief for cars adapted or constructed for use by passengers with disabilities under this scheme.
I understand that the Revenue Commissioners have co-operated fully with the Office of the Ombudsman in the course of the compiling of his report and have agreed to implement all of the recommendations contained therein. Repayments amounting to some £16,000 have already been made in the three cases in question and additional repayments relating to fuel and road tax are currently being arranged.
The recommendations regarding the documentation and administrative procedures used in connection with the scheme were made known to the Revenue Commissioners some time ago and are being implemented.
The recommended review of other cases with similar circumstances is well under way and the Revenue Commissioners have undertaken to report to the Ombudsman in this regard within the time scale set out by him.