Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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259. To ask the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the primary medical certificate scheme per annum since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.

The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who also meet one of six specified medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant. In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) who operate out of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

The table below outlines the costs of the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities (DPD) Scheme and the Fuel Grant Scheme for the years 2012-2021. These figures do not include the revenue foregone in respect of the relief from Motor Tax provided to members of the Scheme.