Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the disabled drivers and passengers scheme, which has effectively been put on hold for new applications because primary medical certificates are no longer being issued following a decision of the Supreme Court in July. The scheme is for people who have to get their cars adapted and entitles them to have their vehicle registration tax returned, not to have to pay road tax, etc. I understand that an amendment to the Finance Bill is needed to give legislative effect to the medical criteria for primary medical certificates. This amendment needs to be made immediately in order to allow people with disabilities to avail of the scheme. I also ask that there be a review of the scheme's restrictive nature and that groups representing the disability sector be involved. I ask that this matter be dealt with immediately.I will give the example of a family friend of mine whose 21-year-old son recently lost his leg, which was amputated due to cancer. The young lad wants to get back to college and be able to drive and live independently. He is unable to do so because this has been held up due to that Supreme Court case. I know many other families in the same position who have elderly people in nursing homes, etc., and must adapt their cars so they can bring them out when we return to normality post-Covid. I ask that this be dealt with immediately.