Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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326. To ask the Minister for Finance when revised criteria to qualify for a primary medical certificate (PMC) will be published; his views on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused a PMC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48483/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.

However, this is very much a matter for Government as my Department has oversight of the DDS only and does not have responsibility for disability policy.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.

The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.

I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.