Financial Services

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Ceisteanna (330)

John Paul O'Shea

Ceist:

330. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if she is aware that the appeals process for the primary medical certificate under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme is taking up to 18-months to complete; the details of the current average waiting time for appeals; the number of appeals presently awaiting hearing and determination; the reasons for the ongoing delays; and the measures being taken to expedite the appeals process and to ensure applicants are not left waiting excessive periods for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54813/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The 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.

At an appeal hearing the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) reviews the decision by a HSE Primary Medical Officer and determines if an appellant meets any of the six medical criteria. Only if an appellant meets one of the six eligibility criteria will the Board issue a Board Medical Certificate.

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

The Board has informed me that, as of September 2025, there are 455 appellants on the waiting list. It should be noted that previous years has shown that a significant number of appellants do not proceed to an appeal hearing, for example due to declined or cancelled appointments. While data on the average waiting times is not currently available, the waiting list has been reduced since 2024 and the Board is working to address this as quickly as possible.