Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who was refused the disabled persons and disabled passengers scheme 1994; if this will be re-examined and granted; if the strict medical criteria has been changed; if not, in view of the numbers who do not qualify under the present criteria if he plans to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19589/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area.

If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. It examined the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also made 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. The Group's report is published on my Department's website.