I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 99 and 122 together.
Progress has been made on efforts to convene a new Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA), to secure hosting arrangements for the DDMBA and to recommence the appeals process.
All five members have now been appointed to the new DDMBA. Funding arrangements between the Department of Finance and the Department of Health have been agreed. On this basis the National Rehabilitation Hospital has confirmed that they will again host the DDMBA. Preparatory work is underway, that will include due deliberation on how best to clear the backlog. It is important to be aware that dealing with the backlog of appeals is very much a matter for the new Board, who are independent in how they conduct their functions. I have no role in this area so cannot comment on how the backlog will be addressed.
My officials met with the NRH and the new DDMBA on Tuesday 7 November to discuss the operational elements of the new Board. The meeting was constructive and as a result it is hoped that the Board will be up and running by mid-December.
The latest figures provided by the DDMBA show that there are currently 1,138 people on the appeal hearing list.
Finally, the Deputy should note that, while I was responsible for appointing the DDMBA members, it was the Department of Health that was tasked with their recruitment. and therefore it was they who organised the four expression of interest campaigns. They invested a considerable amount of time in the process and ensured that it was as well advertised as possible through the appropriate channels. However, what is clear from this exercise is that there was little interest from the medical profession in applying for these positions, thus explaining why the process took so long.
In conclusion, I have every expectation that the DDMBA will give due priority to addressing the backlog of appeals.
