Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
307. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if provisions can be made for primary medical certificate appeals to be held in Cork, considering that at present people have to travel to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on 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 who also meet the medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain 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 (PMC) an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled as defined by satisfying at least one of the six medical criteria as set out in legislation, 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).
At an appeal hearing the Board reviews the decision by a HSE Primary/Senior Area Medical Officer and determines if an appellant does, or does not meet, one of the six medical criteria. Only if an appellant meets one of the six eligibility criteria will the Board issue a Board Medical Certificate.
It is a matter for the Board to determine its working methods, including the location of appeal hearings. 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.
