Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
204. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate appellants to the primary medical certificate decision by having the medical assessment appeals board disclose their qualifications to enable them sit on the appeals board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7418/24]
View answerRegulations 6 of SI 353 Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme 1994 requires that all members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA) must be registered with the Medical Council, that is, must be medical professionals.
The Department of Health with support from Department of Finance officials set out essential and desired criteria for applicants, in Expressions of Interest campaigns to apply for DDMBA positions. Qualifications and experiences were included in these criteria. Candidates were assessed by a selection panel made of up Department of Health and Department of Finance officials, a HSE medical professional as well as an independent Chair.
Suitable candidates were then nominated by the Minister for Health and recommended to me for appointment, in line with legislative requirements. I appointed all five members as nominated by the Minister for Health. All members have also successfully completed Garda vetting.
I am satisfied that all members have the requisite expertise and experiences to perform the functions of the DDMBA in the appeals process.
