Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a revision or review can or will be undertaken to remedy the inconsistency in the degree to which persons suffering from certain disabilities do not qualify under Disabled Drivers Disabled Passengers 1994 Tax Concession Regulations in order to acquire or adapt a vehicle for work purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17117/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when it is expected to implement the recommendations of the inter-Departmental group dealing with the Disabled Drivers Disabled Passengers Tax Concession 1994 Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17635/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 180 together.

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.