John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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803. To ask the Minister for Health the current process arrangements on applying for a primary medical certificate; the specific criteria required for these applications; if consideration is being given by her Department on reforming this process and criteria into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6180/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, falls under the remit of the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, an applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate. To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994.

Those wishing to apply for a Primary Medical Certificate can apply through their Local Health Office (HSE) for an assessment with a Community Medical Doctor. It is important to note that the extent of the involvement of health personnel in the scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance regulations.

A successful applicant is provided with a Primary Medical Certificate. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which is under the auspices of the Minister for Finance. The role of the Minister for Health under the legislation is to nominate to the Minister for Finance members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA). However, the Department of Health and the HSE have no role in setting or amending the criteria for the scheme.