Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the fact that persons seeking an appeal of a disabled driver's grant decision are being informed that there is currently a seven-month waiting time for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28813/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Medical Board of Appeal that as of September 2016, there are 286 appeals active at the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. Since January 2016 to date, the Board has heard 279 appeals. However, 2016 has seen an average monthly increase of 33% in the number of appeals lodged on previous years. In order to address this sudden increased demand, the Board has been holding additional hearing this year.

I am confident that the Board has the matter in hand and that the additional hearings will address the issue. I will keep the matter under review. I would point out that Regulation 6(1)(e) of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. 353 of 1994) provides that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.