Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in processing an application for the disabled drivers tax concessions scheme by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant applied in 2001, was turned down and appealed in June 2004 but has yet to be informed of the decision in their appeal case; his views on whether this is satisfactory; if the five medical practitioners for the board of appeal mentioned in previous replies have been recruited; if all necessary appointments have now been made to the board of appeal; the reason a decision cannot be reached when the appeal in this case has already been heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20172/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have no direct responsibility for the day to day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. Queries in regard to individual cases may be addressed to the Secretary of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, c/o National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin or alternatively by telephone at 01 2355279.

The Deputy may be aware that there were a number of operational difficulties with the board of appeal and these have now been resolved. The new chairperson of the board, whom I appointed on 14 March 2005, has been asked to address the backlog of appeals as a priority. To facilitate more frequent meetings of the board, I brought in new regulations on 7 April 2005 allowing for the appointment of up to ten medical practitioners to the board of appeal. There are currently seven medical practitioners on the board of appeal, and I hope to make further appointments shortly. It is intended that these improvements will substantially reduce the current waiting time for an appeal.