Vol. 525 No. 1
121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the total number of applications submitted in respect of assistance under the Disabled Drivers/Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) 1994 Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23731/00]
Qualifying persons are entitled to make application under the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers, tax concessions, in respect of a motor vehicle every two years. The relief available in respect of fuel may be claimed on an ongoing basis. For this reason, the number of applications submitted each year does not give a meaningful indication of the actual number of beneficiaries under the scheme.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the day to day administration of the scheme, that it is estimated that some 5,400 persons are currently benefiting under the scheme on an ongoing basis. I am also advised that, this year up to the end of September 2000, some 2,767 applications for relief in respect of vehicles were paid under the scheme. Of that figure, some 1,200 were made by first time applicants.
