John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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84. To ask the Minister for Finance if exceptions are made in respect of appearing in front of the board in hearing an appeals case in the case of appeals to the disabled drivers medical board of appeals; if a case can be reviewed via written evidence and correspondence; the circumstances in which this can occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31251/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a Primary Medical Certificate is required to claim the tax reliefs provided under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.  The Senior Medical Officer for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria to receive a Primary Medical Certificate. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the Senior Medical Officer to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA), which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.

Hearings of the DDMBA are held on average twice a month at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, which has the facilities to cater for people with mobility impairing disabilities of the kind provided for under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. It is not possible to review a case via written evidence and correspondence as a physical examination of the person would be required.

The Medical Board of Appeal holds regional clinics as demand arises. I'm informed that one clinic per year, for the past five years, has been held in Cork City.