Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied) to assist them in obtaining a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35998/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), an exemption from motor tax and a grant in respect of fuel, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. To qualify for the Scheme an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate.

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. 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 (DDMBA), which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual. The Regulations mandate that the DDMBA is independent in the exercise of its functions to ensure the integrity of its clinical determinations.

With regard to the DDMBA, there has been a recent upsurge in the number of appeals resulting in longer waiting times for an appointment. 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.