Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of disabled persons, on a county basis, who are waiting for appeals to be heard for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, in cases in which they have been refused at local level; when the backlog will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is expected that the recently reconstituted medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme will resume its meetings very shortly. In this regard, I appointed a new chairperson to the board on 14 March 2005, and I understand that a new secretary was appointed yesterday. In respect of the waiting list for an appeal, I understand 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.

Information in respect of the number of appeals to the board on a county basis is not held by my Department or the Revenue Commissioners, and I understand that accurate information in regard to this is not readily available at this time from the board of appeal. However, as part of the reconstitution of the board, resources are being made available to develop an improved database, which will address this. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded to the Deputy, when available.