Peter Burke
Ceist:194. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the current situation regarding applications for primary medical certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52041/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 November 2023
Ceisteanna (194)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy should note at the outset, that applications for a Primary Medical Certificate are a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE.
Unlike the appeals process, there has been no disruption to the actual assessment for the primary medical certificate which has gone on as normal.
It is acknowledged however that the ongoing challenges with putting in place a new Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA) have caused a significant amount of disruption in the overall system.
Progress has been made however in my efforts to convene a new DDMBA and to recommence the appeals process.
In this regard, 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.
It is expected that appeal hearings will recommence in the first half of December 2023.
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, the Deputy should be aware 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.