Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
206. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the assistance that will be provided to a person (details supplied) in respect of their application for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme, which is operated by the Revenue Commissioners, is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations Act 1994 and satisfy a range of conditions. The medical criteria for the scheme are set out by the Department of Finance. While applications for primary medical certificates are processed through the Health Service Executive (HSE) Local Health Offices, HSE personnel have no role in setting or amending the criteria. The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, is also under the auspices of the Minister for Finance. This Board is independent in the exercise of its functions, to ensure the integrity of its clinical determinations. On that basis, I have no role to play in the exercise of these functions.
With regard to the individual case referenced by the Deputy and his query regarding other help which may be available to the family, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
