Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
289. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if the rates paid under the fuel grant for disabled drivers will be reviewed in light of the increasing costs of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55297/22]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) set against the purchase and use of an adapted car, and for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The Scheme also provides payment of a Fuel Grant, and an exemption from Motor Tax. 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.
The relief from Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax are generous in nature amounting to up to €10,000, €16,000 or €22,000, depending on the level of adaption required for the vehicle. The Fuel Grant Scheme covers annual payments to those incurring fuel costs in the past 12 months, up to a maximum of 2,730 litres.
2022 rates of payment are as below.
|
Fuel Type |
Rate per litre |
|
Petrol |
€0.636 |
|
Heavy oil |
€0.535 |
|
Liquefied petroleum gas |
€0.130 |
The fuel grant covers the excise tax elements of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These rates are adjusted annually in line with excise tax increases.
I have no plans to adjust fuel grant rates outside of the annual adjustment, as such changes would be administratively and operationally complex to deliver.
