The Minister for Finance has responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme which is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. To qualify for the Scheme, an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate.
The extent of the involvement of Health Service Executive (HSE) personnel in the Scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant meets the specified medical criteria. This determination is undertaken by Senior Medical Officers for the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation, on behalf of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. As the Scheme is a Tax Concessions scheme, these HSE personnel have no role in setting or amending the eligibility criteria, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.
As the matter of assessment by a HSE Senior Medical Officer is a service matter, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to the HSE for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, 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. This Appeal Board makes a new clinical determination in respect of the application and is independent in the exercise of its functions. After six months, an individual may reapply if there is a deterioration in their condition. I suggest that the Deputy refer his question regarding the Appeal Board to the Minister for Finance.
