Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 3

Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers Scheme.

John Perry

Ceist:

143 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will have arrangements made with the National Rehabilitation Board to have a disabled driver certification issued to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact that he is aged 64, suffers from MS and it is necessary for him to have an adapted car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7880/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

Under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, Ministers do not have any role in the determination of whether a person does, or does not, meet the qualifying criteria. This is solely a matter of judgment on the part of the certifying doctor, ie. the directors of community care and medical officers of health in the local health board.

However, if a person is dissatisfied with the decision of the doctors they may appeal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is an independent body whose decision is final.