Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on awarding primary medical certificates to disabled and handicapped persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35340/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy should be aware, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) regulations, 1994 were drawn up by the Minister for Finance and come under the remit of the Department of Finance. The Department of Health and Children has no statutory responsibility for the regulations or their operation. To qualify, a person must meet the medical criteria specified in the regulations to the scheme which are not set by the Department of Health and Children. The senior area medical officer within the relevant Health Service Executive region will issue a primary medical certificate if he/she is satisfied that the applicant fulfils the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance's Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) regulations.