Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Questions (183)

Finian McGrath

Question:

183. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance to support a matter (details supplied) regarding tax relief; if there is any tax relief available for cars for blind persons and their drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4309/16]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy may be aware, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, a fuel grant, and an exemption from Motor Tax.

To qualify for the Scheme, an applicant must have a permanent and severe physical disability within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations (S.I. No. 353 of 1994) and satisfy one of the six medical criteria outlined in the Regulations. 

Visual impairment is not currently a qualifying criteria under the Regulations.