Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
233 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons on the waiting list for assessment by the disabled drivers medical board of appeal; the average wait for assessment; and if the Department has plans in place to cut this waiting list. [9602/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no involvement in the operation of the disabled drivers medical board of appeal. However, I am informed that there is a backlog of appeals to be dealt with by the board. At present, there is a waiting time of more than two years to be seen by the board. I am advised that the backlog of appeals — approximately 500 — is caused by a number of factors, in particular the general increase in applications for a primary medical certificate, and the significant number of persons who are aware that they do not meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations but who nevertheless insist on exercising their right of appeal. This is an indication of the level of demand for the tax relief under the scheme. I am examining the interdepartmental report on the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme which contains recommendations relating to the medical board of appeal.
