Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will amend the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concession Scheme) SI No. 353 of 1994 to enable blind passengers to benefit from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31115/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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A special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, both at administrative and user levels, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting me in determining the future direction of the scheme.

The group's report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines, among other things, the qualifying medical criteria. The report makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, which would involve reforming the medical qualifying criteria, given the scale and scope of the scheme further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, as agreed by the Government in June 2004, I will consider the recommendations contained in the report of the interdepartmental review group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.

This Government is committed to supporting and reinforcing equal participation in society by people with disabilities. I remind the Deputy that disability was one of the priority areas where I substantially increased investment in budget 2005.