Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
736. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the clinical guidelines and methodology used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a primary medical certificate; the policy in place to ensure all applications are dealt with on a consistent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must have 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 and satisfy a range of conditions.
The extent of the involvement of health personnel in the scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance regulations. This determination is undertaken by Senior Medical Officers for the relevant local Health Service Executive (HSE) administrative Community Health Organisation, on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners. These HSE personnel have no role in setting or amending the criteria.
A successful applicant is provided with a Primary Medical Certificate. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the HSE's Senior Medical Officer's decision to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which is under the auspices of the Minister for Finance. The Appeal Board makes a new clinical determination in respect of the applicant.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the element of the Deputy's question related to how HSE personnel apply the strict criteria set out in the regulations and ensure a consistent approach to its application.
