Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
14. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the number of primary medical certificate appeals currently outstanding; if there is an update on a new board to hear such appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9686/22]
View answer79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to appoint a new Medical Board of Appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9488/22]
View answer80. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance if a new disabled drivers medical scheme appeals board has been appointed; if not, the timeframe for when a new board will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9703/22]
View answer228. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the status of the case of a person (details supplied); when the appeals board is being appointed; when hearings will recommence; and the interim measures being considered to deal with urgent cases in order that persons in need are not disadvantaged or suffering needlessly. [9167/22]
View answer242. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance when persons with MS and other conditions who wish to appeal a decision regarding an application to the disabled drivers and passengers' scheme can expect an appeals committee to be in place and the processing of appeals to be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9597/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 79, 80, 228 and 242 together.
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who also meet one of six specified medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for the Scheme, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate, a PMC, issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) in the HSE. Assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) who operate out of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
As of 31st December 2021, there are 382 people awaiting an appeal hearing with the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal.
All members of the DDMBA have resigned. My officials engaged with the Department of Health and the Public Appointments Service to seek expressions of interest from medical practitioners to participate in the Board. I am informed that the formal notice seeking expressions of interest have been issued. It is hoped to move this process along as quickly as possible so that appeals can recommence as soon as possible.
Requests for appeal hearings can be sent to the DDMBA secretary based in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. New appeal hearing dates will be issued once the new Board is in place.
