Olivia Mitchell
Question:166 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider an application for the disabled vehicles VAT concession by a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [6932/02]
Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers.
Nora Owen
Question:167 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who requires his partner to drive him but for whom he cannot get VAT concessions or other tax exemptions. [7020/02]
Question:
169 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [7022/02]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 166, 167 and 169 together as they all relate to the same individual and that individual's eligibility for tax relief under the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' scheme.
It is a fundamental requirement of this scheme that the disabled person meets the medical criteria specified in the relevant regulations and is 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 a primary medical certificate is refused, it is open to the applicant to appeal this refusal to the disabled drivers' medical board of appeal, an independent body whose decision is final. It will be noted that neither the Revenue Commissioners nor my Department has any role in the medical assessment of persons for the purposes of admission to the scheme. The Revenue Commissioners are unable to consider an application for admission to the scheme without the issue of a primary medical certificate. For the Deputy's information, there are other State funded schemes aimed at mobility, namely a mobility allowance and a motorised transport grant, both of which are payable by the health boards.