Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Appeal Hearings.

Mary Wallace

Question:

226 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the 18 month waiting list for appeals under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers regulations; his views on whether contributory factors are that he needs to extend the number of personnel serving on the medical board from three to at least nine as all three must be presently available at each appeal and the fact that the remuneration for a three hour appeal session is ?80 and does not give much encouragement to doctors to serve on the appeal board system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

The disabled drivers medical board of appeal operates independently. However, I am informed that there is currently a backlog of appeals to be dealt with by the board. I understand that the length of time a person waits to be assessed by the board can vary from 12 to 18 months. This is an indication of the level of demand for tax relief under the scheme. In addition, the backlog 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.

I received the report of the interdepartmental review group on the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme. Any recommendations contained in this report in relation to the medical board of appeal receive full consideration.