Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006
257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected to publish the report of the interdepartmental group studying the Disabled Drivers Disabled Passengers Tax Concession 1994 Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8214/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraA special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme. The group's report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the possible future development of the scheme. The short-term recommendations in respect of the appeals process have been implemented. In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June 2004 that the Minister for Finance should consider the recommendations contained in the report in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.
The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind, and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the disabled drivers scheme in that regard will be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments that have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context. Changes to this scheme will be considered in the context of the overall development of policy in this area.
