Vol. 556 No. 5
123 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the waiting list of appeals with the disabled driv ers medical board of appeal under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme 1994; if he will provide extra staff in order that these appeals can be dealt with more quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21007/02]
While my Department has no involvement in the operation of the disabled drivers medical board of appeal, I am informed that there is a backlog of approximately 400 appeals to be dealt with by the board. This is an indication of the level of demand for tax relief under the scheme. In addition, the backlog seems to be exacerbated by the fact that many of those who appeal to the board are aware that they do not meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations but still insist on exercising their right of appeal. As I have said before, I am now considering the interdepartmental report on the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme which contains recommendations relating to the medical board of appeal.
