Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Finance when an appeals officer will be reappointed to a board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10188/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Medical Board of Appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. In this regard, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that significant progress has been made in the reconstitution of the Medical Board of Appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. It is expected that the board will resume its meetings very shortly. I appointed a new chairperson to the board on 14 March 2005 and I understand that a new secretary is being recruited and will be in place shortly.

In respect of the waiting list for an appeal, I understand that there are in excess of 600 appellants. The new chairperson of the board has been asked to address the backlog as a priority. To facilitate this, I brought in new regulations on 7 April which will allow for the appointment of an additional five medical practitioners to the board of appeal. I hope to make the necessary new appointments to the board over the coming weeks.