Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2009
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected to act on the recommendations of the interdepartmental group dealing with the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994; the status of the report; if immediate action is intended on foot of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45230/09]
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.
