Vol. 513 No. 3
172 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will review an application for a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied) in Carlow, who was refused the certificate by the South Eastern Health Board, in view of his medical circumstances. [2274/00]
I confirm that the Minister for Finance has no function whatsoever in the determination of whether a person meets the strict medical criteria to qualify for the various concessions under the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' scheme. To qualify for relief under the scheme, an applicant must meet the specified medical criteria and be in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer. Where the issue of such a certificate is refused, the person concerned may appeal that decision to the disabled drivers' medical board of appeal, an independent board whose decision is final.
I understand that no such appeal has so far been made by the person referred to in the question. The board of appeal can be contacted at 25 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, phone (01)6080400.
