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Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Ceisteanna (209)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

209. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change legislation on the disabled drivers scheme in view of the fact the qualifying conditions seem to be rigid and inflexible and may be causing inequity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15828/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, payment of a fuel grant, and an exemption from Motor Tax.

To qualify for the Scheme an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate. To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. 

The Scheme represents a significant tax expenditure. Between the Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT foregone, and the fuel grant, the scheme cost €65m in each of 2016 and 2017. This figure does not include the revenue foregone in respect of the relief from Motor Tax provided to members of the Scheme. 

Given the scale and scope of the scheme, I have no plans to review the medical criteria at this time.

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