John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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109. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to address the appeal process for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48269/17]

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, which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.

Hearings of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal 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.

I am informed by the Medical Board of Appeal that it has held one clinic per year, for the past five years, in Cork City. The Medical Board of Appeal will consider holding a clinic in other areas if there is enough demand to justify the significant costs associated with holding a regional clinic and also if suitable clinical facilities can be accessed.