Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
205. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate appellants by having the medical assessment appeals board on the primary medical certificate sit in locations around the country to allow easy access for people with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7419/24]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted cars, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
To qualify for the Scheme an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate (PMC). The PMC is issued by the relevant Senior Medical Officer in the HSE, or failing that an appeal may be made to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. The Minister has 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.
To qualify for a PMC an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of six medical criteria. These criteria are set out in the Finance Act, 2020.
In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Principal Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA).
At an appeal hearing the Board reviews the decision by a HSE Primary/Principal Medical Officer and determines if an appellant does, or does not meet, one of the six medical criteria. Only if an appellant meets one of the six eligibility criteria will the Board issue a Board Medical Certificate.
It is a legislative requirement that the Board is independent in their functions. It is a matter for the Board to determine all aspects of the management and delivery of the appeals process, including deciding if any locations outside of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire have the appropriate facilities and supports to enable the conduct of appeal hearings.
