Vol. 522 No. 4
233 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reasons for the long delay in coming to a decision on whether or not to extend the benefits of the disabled drivers tax concession scheme to other categories of disabilities; when a decision is likely to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19042/00]
An interdepartmental review group, chaired by an official from my Department, is currently examining the reliefs' available under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme. The scheme provides reliefs' from vehicle registration tax and value added tax on vehicles and from excise duty on fuel to drivers and passengers who are severely and permanently physically disabled.
In order that it would benefit from as full a range as possible of experience of the scheme, the review group was asked to hold more extensive consultations than originally envisaged. Detailed meetings have been held with representatives of various organisations and with individuals who indicated a desire to make oral submissions to the review group. Additionally, advertisements seeking written submissions from members of the public in regard to the scheme were placed in the national newspapers and drew a large response with 240 submissions received reflecting over 60 different disabilities. As a result of these consultations, the review group anticipates that its report will not be completed until August 2000.
The insights obtained from an analysis of the oral and written submissions, when added to the knowledge already gained from the submissions which it received from members of the public and from public representatives, will facilitate the group in bringing its work to a conclusion. On completion of the report, it will be submitted for the consideration of the Minister for Finance who will determine what action should be taken on foot of the recommendations of the review group as expressed in their report.
Whilst the review process has been somewhat prolonged by the extensive consultation process adopted by the group, I am satisfied that due to the complex nature of the issues involved it was important to hold a wide consultation phase to ensure that all people with disabilities and interested parties have an opportunity to contribute to the review.
