Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to amend the criteria laid down for disabled drivers and disabled passengers; if, in view of the fact that this section of legislation has not been updated since 1994, he will review same; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38393/05]

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 on an administrative and user level, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance 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 the qualifying medical criteria, as well as the benefits of the scheme, the Exchequer costs, the relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations: both immediate regarding the operation of the appeals process, which issues have been addressed; and long-term regarding options for the future development of the scheme.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, I should say that given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June 2004 that the Minister for Finance would 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.

As the Deputy is aware, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister of Finance not to comment on such matters at this time.