Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers.

Michael Noonan

Question:

256 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance when an appeal under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme 1994 will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the reason the disabled driver's medical board of appeal has such a long waiting list; the further reason cases under appeal have to wait several years for a hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12406/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The person referred to was refused the issue of a primary medical certificate and appealed this refusal to the board of appeal in June 2001. Due to the backlog of persons awaiting assessment by the board it has not been possible to offer the person an appointment for assessment as yet. I am advised by the board that, while it has not as yet set a date for its next meeting, the person referred to is due to be offered an appointment for that meeting and will be advised accordingly as soon as a date has been agreed.

I am also advised that the long waiting list for assessment is caused by a number of factors, in particular the general increase in applications for primary medical certificates, the significant number of persons who are aware that they do not meet the medical criteria but who nevertheless insist on assessment by the board, and the structure of the board itself.

The scheme has been reviewed by an interdepartmental group, which was chaired by an official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The group examined all aspects of the scheme, including the medical board of appeal. I have received the report of the review group and any recommendations contained in this report in relation to the medical board of appeal or other conditions of the scheme will receive full consideration.