Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Minister for Finance if there is finance available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who was refused on appeal a primary medical certificate and is seeking to purchase a specially adapted vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16559/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 (HSE) administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate is refused, the person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

I understand the person appealed the decision of the Senior Medical Officer not to grant a Primary Medical Certificate and the appeal was subsequently refused by the Medical Board of Appeal. If the person wishes to apply again for a Primary Medical Certificate, the application to the Senior Medical Officer must be accompanied by a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner indicating that the practitioner has formed the opinion that the medical condition of the person concerned has materially disimproved since the previous application. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

I understand that the HSE administers both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes, which the person may be eligible for.