Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
372. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; the frequency with which the board sits; the number of appeals that are outstanding waiting to be heard; when the backlog of appeals will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29042/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current position with the Medical Board of Appeal; and if the Board is operational and processing appeals in a timely manner. [30977/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 415 together.
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of six medical criteria, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate.In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA).
Prior to the introduction of covid related restrictions, hearings of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal were generally held on average twice a month at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, which has the appropriate facilities to cater for people with mobility impairing disabilities of the kind provided for under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. However, appeal hearings ran at reduced capacity for public health reasons during this period. There are currently 382 appeals outstanding from 2021 and there are 175 new appeals for 2022, year to date.
Following the resignation of all members of the previous Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal an Expression of Interest seeking suitable candidates for the Board closed on 29th April 2022. The Department of Health is convening a selection panel to assess the suitability of applicants for nomination. Requests for appeal hearings can be sent to the DDMBA secretary based in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. New appeal hearing dates will be issued once the new Board is in place.
Assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place.
