Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to fact that the waiting list for a primary medical certificate appeal is six to seven months; the efforts being taken to address this waiting list; if there is an option to seek review from the area medical office in cases where further medical evidence is available but was not considered by the area medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17701/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Medical Board of Appeal that as of March 2017, there are 278 appeals active at the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal.  There has been a recent upsurge in the number of appeals to the DDBMA. The DDBMA, within its functions, has the facility to deal with waiting lists by holding extra hearings.  I am aware that extra hearings were held in 2016 and already in 2017, in this regard. 

I am confident that the Board has the matter in hand but 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.

Regarding the second part of the Deputy's question, the Senior Medical Officer for relevant local Health Service Executive administrative areas makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. A successful applicant is provided with a Primary Medical Certificate, which is required under the Regulations to claim the reliefs provided for in the Scheme.  An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the Senior Medical Officer to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.  After six months, a citizen can reapply if there is a deterioration in their condition.