Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide for a new fuel grant scheme for disabled drivers which will have the same levels of support as the current excise relief scheme. [29793/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice in April 2013 and subsequent negotiations with the European Commission, the excise relief on fuel element of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme will be discontinued from 31 December 2014.
As I have previously stated arrangements are being made to provide for a new fuel grant scheme for disabled drivers which will have the same levels of support as the current excise relief scheme and there will be a seamless transition between the two schemes.
Officials from my Department have been engaging with other Departments and the Revenue Commissioners in order to examine all the legislative, financing and payment implications of a new fuel grant scheme. When all the details of the new scheme have been worked out and finalised, the members of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme will be informed.
