John Perry
Ceist:68 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance the reason blind people are excluded from the disabled drivers tax concessions scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/00]
Written Answers. - Tax Allowances.
The medical criteria determining eligibility for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme are set out in Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994, copies of which are available in the Library. Six different types of disability are listed under the regulations and a qualifying person must satisfy one or more of them. Visual disability is not one of the qualifying disabilities. The scheme targets, what are very generous tax reliefs, at those persons who are severely and permanently handicapped with regard to physical mobility.
However, as the Deputy is well aware, the scheme is currently being reviewed by an interdepartmental group under the chair of an official of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The group is examining all aspects of the scheme, including the medical criteria, and I hope to receive their report later in the year.