Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
220. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made in the development of a new fuel grant scheme for disabled drivers, to replace the current excise relief on fuel allowed under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme (details supplied); when this will come into effect; if there will be a seamless transition between the two schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33460/14]
View answerIn April 2013 the European Court of Justice ruled that the excise relief on fuel element of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme is incompatible with the EU Energy Tax Directive. My Department has informed the European Commission of my intention to remove the excise relief element of the scheme at the end of 2014 and replace it with a fuel grant scheme in 2015. The European Commission has raised no objections.
In terms of progress on this matter, officials from my Department are continuing to engage with other Departments and the Revenue Commissioners in order to examine all the legislative, financing and payment implications of a new fuel grant scheme. I have instructed my officials to design the new grant scheme in such a way to provide as seamless a transition as possible between the two schemes.
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.
