Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Ceisteanna (59)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

59. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance if there is any opportunity for a senior medical officer to have a broader interpretation of the established criteria for tax relief for disabled drivers and disabled passengers; if it is envisaged that these criteria may be altered in the future to include other conditions; if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 previously refused may be entitled to reapply due to a number of physical conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12404/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities.  To enter the Scheme the person with the disability must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be assessed as permanently and severely disabled by reference to the medical criteria set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. I have no plans to change the criteria at this stage.