Disabled Drivers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (680)

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

801 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason appeals to the disabled drivers medical board of appeal against refusals of applications for primary medical certificates under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme 1994, are deferred for an inordinately long time; and the reason a disabled person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has been informed that because of a very long waiting list, his appointment will be delayed for some considerable time; his plans to eliminate this waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2269/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

The medical assessment for, and granting of, a primary medical certificate for the purpose of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme is carried out by the senior area medical officer in the relevant health board. This function is to assist the Department of Finance who have statutory responsibility for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme.

Under section 6(1) of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme 1994, on the nomination of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, the Minister for Finance appoints medical practitioners to the disabled drivers medical board of appeal. The names of two medical practitioners were forwarded in early October. Accordingly, the Deputy may wish to contact the Department of Finance regarding the current position of the medical board of appeal.