O’Brien welcomes recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

                                                   -Review of scheme to take place-
 Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme and the confirmation from the Minister for Finance that he will conduct a review of the scheme.
The scheme determines applications to Revenue for a VRT and VAT reduction when purchasing or adapting a vehicle. The scheme also exempts the vehicle from motor tax and tolls while a fuel grant is available too.
The issuing of primary medical certificates for disabled drivers and passengers was suspended last month as a result of a court decision in June.
Minister O’Brien said the suspension of the scheme by the HSE had been the cause of concern and worry for many. He said it was a vital lifeline for many people, in particular for those who did not have the option of public transport.
He said, “The Minister for Finance is tabling an amendment to the Finance Bill to give legislative effect to the existing medical criteria for primary medical certs and, once enacted this will enable new primary medical certs to be issued and the recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme. 
“He has also confirmed a review of the scheme, something which I have advocated for for a long time. I have had many constituents contact me over the restrictive nature of the scheme and I am glad that a working group will be established, which will include representatives of the disability advocacy bodies.
“In the interim, the scheme will continue to operate which will come as a relief to the many advocates for it,” he concluded.