Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
218. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers' scheme following the amendment to the Finance Bill 2020; and the date new applicants can apply for the scheme. [44823/20]
View answer221. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the policy or legislative changes he plans to make to the Disabled Drivers Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 and the related primary medical certificates following the Supreme Court ruling of 18 June 2020. [44867/20]
View answer223. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance when changes to the disabled drivers and passengers' scheme will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44972/20]
View answer238. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance when the necessary communications to the Minister for Health and the HSE will be made to allow for the resumption of issuing primary medical certificates; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1226/21]
View answer243. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department has advised the HSE to pause all applications for the primary medical certificate which have not already been assessed due to a Supreme Court decision; when assessment of these applications will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1288/21]
View answer244. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance when assessments for applications for primary medical certificates will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1312/21]
View answer257. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if the provisions in the Finance Act 2020 with regard to primary medical certificates are now being implemented; if medical assessments are being performed by the HSE; the steps he is taking to deal with the backlog of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1804/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 218, 221, 223, 238, 243, 244 and 257 together.
Following approval of the Finance Act 2020, which provides for the medical criteria for the Disabled Drivers Scheme, the HSE has been informed that medical assessments can recommence from 1 January 2021. This is considered to be an interim solution only. A comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, will be conducted this year. On foot of that review new proposals will be brought forward for consideration.
Separately, the ability to hold assessments may be impacted on by, among other things, the public health restrictions in place and the role of the HSE Medical Officers in the roll out of the COVID vaccination programme.
