Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
142 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance when a review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme 1994 will be complete; if he will make changes to ensure the scheme is more open and transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42757/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraA special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. It examined the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also made a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme. The Group's report is published on my Department's website.
Some 13,000 people benefited under the scheme in 2008 at an overall estimated cost of €76 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.
