Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has met with representatives of disabled drivers in order that a phased programme of reform in tax concessions will be developed for implementation over a series of years. [29669/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have received many representations regarding the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme. This scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car, up to a certain limit.

The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.

As the Deputy will be aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources.