Written answers

Tuesday, 12 April 2005

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Finance when the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme will be reconstituted; when staffing and administrative charges will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10302/05]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons on the waiting list for assessment by the medical board of appeal under the disabled drivers tax concessions scheme 1994; the average length of time that persons have to wait to be assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10303/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.

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.

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