Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 112: To ask the Minister for Finance if a comprehensive review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1984 has been carried out; if, in this context he will take steps to address the restrictive medical criteria which is laid down in the regulations which result in people with significant paralysis and severe difficulties being refused a certificate under the said scheme; his views on whether it is long past time for the criteria to be reviewed and widened to facilitate more people obtaining the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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, 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, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, 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. This consideration is undertaken on a regular basis.