Vol. 517 No. 3
153 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance his views on the difficulties faced by applicants for concessions under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, in view of the fact that the medical board of appeal has a long waiting list and it can take up to six months before applicants are offered an appointment; and if he will investigate this matter. [9584/00]
It is a fundamental requirement for relief under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, that the disabled person meets the medical criteria specified in the regulations and is in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer, who is employed by the local health board. In cases where the issue of the primary medical certificate is refused on the basis that the medical criteria are not met, it is open to the applicant to appeal this refusal to the disabled drivers Medical Board of Appeal, an independent body, whose decision is final.
I understand that there is a delay at present, of the order of six months, between application to the board and the actual assessment, and that approximately 170 persons are currently on the waiting list.
