Written answers

Thursday, 21 January 2016

Department of Finance

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

51. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the disabled drivers and passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2544/16]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, I recently signed into law the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 634 of 2015) to provide for a number of improvements to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. These Regulations amended the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 353 of 1994) which govern the operation of the Scheme.

Through these amendments, I expanded the maximum amount of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT relief available for drivers with disabilities from €9,525 to €10,000, and the maximum amount of VRT and VAT relief for passengers with disabilities from €15,875 to €16,000.

With regard to the concerns raised in the details supplied I understand that a number of drivers require more extensive adaptations to their vehicle to take account of their disability. Accordingly, I provided for a new category of 'specifically adapted vehicle' for drivers with disabilities who have made significant adaptions to their vehicles. This category provides VRT and VAT relief of up to €16,000 provided for the purchase of such vehicles, and such vehicles must be held for 3 years before resale.

I also understand that a very small group of citizens with disabilities require extensive modifications to their vehicles to take account of their disability, so that that the cost of modifications exceeds the cost of the vehicle itself. To enhance the mobility of those citizens I provided for a category of 'extensively adapted vehicle' for drivers and passengers with disabilities. The VAT and VRT relief in respect of such vehicles may be up to €22,000, and such vehicles must be held for 6 years before resale.

More information on the recent changes to the Scheme can be found at

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.