Departmental Data

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Questions (77, 78)

David Cullinane

Question:

77. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the data collected by his Department relating to the disabled driver scheme and primary medical certificates. [10732/26]

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78. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on the review of the disabled drivers scheme and guidelines for primary medical certificates; the timeframe for completion; when a new scheme will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10733/26]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.

The Department of Finance receives data from Revenue and from the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) as part of the Department's role in overseeing the the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS). Revenue provide periodic data with respect to claims for, and recipients of, DDS provisions. Revenue also provide data on adaptations to DDS vehicles. Data on appellants and on appeal hearings (e.g. number of appeals heard, waiting times, awarding/not awarding a Board Medical Certificate) are provided by the DDMBA.

Data relating to the PMC assessment process is a matter for the Department of Health, as the HSE are wholly responsible for that process. Data relating to Motor Tax Exemption of DDS vehicles is a matter for the Department of Transport.

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.

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.

As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.

Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.

This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 77.