Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
105. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance his views on the adequacy of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; the number of applications awaiting a decision from the Board; the average waiting time for a decision; and the number of appeals considered and determined in each of the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43733/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance how many requests for appeal hearings with the DDMBA (Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal) are currently in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43738/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance when appeal hearings with the DDMBA (Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal) will recommence for persons who have had a primary medical certificate application deemed ineligible. [43739/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s engagement with NRH (National Rehabilitation Hospital) regarding the DDMBA (Disabled Drivers Medical Board Of Appeal); have financial arrangements been agreed with NRH (National Rehabilitation Hospital); have the NRH (National Rehabilitation Hospital) agreed to host the DDMBA (Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43740/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 27 June 2023, if he will outline the current situation regarding the functioning of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43904/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 106, 107, 108 and 118 together.
Progress has been made on efforts to convene a new Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA), to secure new hosting arrangements for the DDMBA and to recommence the appeals process.
I have now formally appointed all five members to the new DDMBA. Funding arrangements between the Department of Finance and the Department of Health have been agreed. On this basis the National Rehabilitation Hospital has confirmed they will again host the DDMBA. Preparatory work is underway, that will include due deliberation on how best to clear the backlog. The appeals process will re-commence upon completion of this work. In parallel, my officials are working with the NRH to conclude other conditions for new hosting arrangements, which may continue after the appeals process is again up and running.
I appreciate that it has taken far longer than anticipated to get to this point. With the Department of Health we have had to run four Expression of Interest campaigns over 18 months to source the legislatively required five members. We have also had to re-negotiate new hosting arrangements with the NRH following their withdrawal of services in February 2023.
As of end August 2023 (latest data available) there were 1,079 appeals outstanding. Data is not available on average waiting times. No appeals have been heard since the resignation of all Board members in November 2021.
Finally you should note that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
