Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
65. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals can recommence its clinics, considering that there have been no clinics since November 2021 and that there are over 1,000 appellants on the waiting list to have their appeals dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46802/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgress 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 indicated that 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.
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.
