David Cullinane
Ceist:282. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the data collected by her Department and the HSE relating to disabled drivers and primary medical certificates. [10728/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 11 February 2026
Ceisteanna (282)
Freagraí scríofa
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 Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, an individual must first apply for a Primary Medical Certificate assessment, at which a Health Service Executive (HSE) Medical Officer determines if the individual is ‘permanently and severely disabled’, as defined by satisfying at least one of six medical criteria set out in primary legislation.
However, in the event that a Primary Medical Certificate is not granted by the relevant HSE Senior Medical Officer, an appeal of this decision may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA). At an appeal hearing, the Board reviews the decision made by the HSE Senior Medical Officer and determines if an appellant does or does not meet the criteria. As Minister of Health, my sole role under the legislation is to nominate to the Minister of Finance members of the Board, following an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
The assessment process for Primary Medical Certificates is the responsibility of the HSE and as such, the Department does not collect data on Primary Medical Certificates. Therefore, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to your question directly, and as soon as possible.