Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
328. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Finance the number of outstanding appellants before the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal who reside in the west of Ireland; if he will arrange for a clinic of the board to be convened in Galway or another suitable west of Ireland location, given the accessibility challenges for applicants required to travel to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51653/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note at the outset that it is a legislative requirement that the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) is independent in the exercise of its functions and it is a matter for the Board to determine all aspects of the management and delivery of the appeals process.
The DDMBA operates from the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire, who provide facilities and secretarial services so that the Board can deliver the appeals process. No other dedicated facilities have been agreed for hosting the appeals process.
The Board does on occasion run regional clinics when appropriate facilities can be sourced on an ad-hoc basis and where there is sufficient demand for, and attendance at, such clinics. For instance, two clinics have been run in Cork over the last 12 months. This is a matter that is kept under review.
As of June 2025, the number of outstanding appellants before the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal who reside in the Connacht are as follows:
|
County |
Number of Appeals |
|
Galway |
24 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Mayo |
21 |
|
Roscommon |
16 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
|
Total |
71 |
