I propose to answer Questions Nos. 180, 182, 187, 194 and 197 together as they all relate to the same individual and that individual's eligibility for tax relief under the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' scheme.
It is a fundamental requirement of this scheme that the disabled person meets the medical criteria specified in the relevant regulations and is in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the appropriate senior area medical officer, who is an official of the local health board. Where the issue of a primary medical certificate is refused, 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. It will be noted that neither the Revenue Commissioners nor my Department has any role in the medical assessment of persons for the purposes of admission to the scheme.
The Revenue Commissioners are unable to consider an application for admission to the scheme without the issue of a primary medical certificate. For the Deputies' information, there are other State funded schemes aimed at mobility, namely a mobility allowance and a motorised transport grant, both of which are payable by the health boards.