Vol. 565 No. 3
144 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo is entitled to a rebate in view of their disability, and the fact that they have a parking card for persons with disability; if he will provide details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10675/03]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the administration of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme, that they have no record of an application for admission to the scheme from the persons concerned. The fundamental requirement for admission to the scheme is that a person should meet the specified medical criteria and should be in possession of a primary medical certificate to that effect issued by the senior area medical officer who is an official of the local health board. Having secured the necessary medical certificate, the case can then be considered by the Revenue Commissioners.
The Disabled Drivers' Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association administer the special facilities for parking for motorists with disabilities. The latter is subject to different medical criteria and I am advised that possession of a parking card for persons with a disability does not, in itself, mean that the persons concerned would meet the medical criteria for the issue of a primary medical certificate.
I suggest that the persons concerned should contact their local senior area medical officer with a view to applying for the required certificates. If a certificate is obtained, application can then be made to the Central Repayments Office, Coolshannagh, Monaghan, telephone (047) 82800.
I have arranged for a detailed information booklet, VRT 7, to be issued directly to the persons concerned.
