John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the disabled drivers scheme; the number of approvals which were given for new cars for drivers in the most recent year for which figures are available; the number of approvals for passengers that are accompanied; the estimated cost of the scheme; if the scheme has been or is under review; and the status of such a review. [27177/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of vehicles purchased in 2005 that had VRT remitted/repaid under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, was 1,884 for drivers and 2,729 for passengers (total, 4,613).

There are around 9,500 persons, including both drivers and passengers currently availing of the scheme. In 2005, the scheme cost over €56 million.

The operation of the scheme was reviewed by a special Interdepartmental Review Group. 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, 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 current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The Report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the possible future development of the scheme. The short-term recommendations in respect of the appeals process have been implemented.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, 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 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.

The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind, and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the Disabled Drivers Scheme in that regard will be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments who have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can obviously only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue, and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context. Any changes to this scheme will be considered in the context of the overall development of policy in this area.