Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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436. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a decision reviewed to refuse an application for a primary medical certificate by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The eligibility criteria for a Primary Medical Certificate are set out by the Department of Finance, as the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme is a Revenue Commissioners Scheme.

The Senior Medical Officer for the relevant local HSE administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria for 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. After six months, a person can reapply for a Primary Medical Certificate if there is a deterioration in their condition.

The Regulations mandate that the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions in order to ensure the integrity of its clinical determinations. The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal comes under the remit of the Department of Finance.