Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed news from his Government colleague that the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme is to recommence soon. 

Revenue operates the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme. Disabled persons apply for a HSE primary medical cert, which will determine their application to Revenue for a VRT and VAT reduction when purchasing or adapting a vehicle. The scheme also exempts the car from motor tax and tolls while a fuel grant is available too.

Minister Browne 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 in the coming weeks, this will enable new primary medical certs to be issued and the recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme. This is very welcome news for people across Wexford and across the country. Several people have contacted my office seeking to find out their eligibility for the scheme. It is a very important scheme that helps disabled persons secure their own transport whether as a driver or passenger of a vehicle.

Additionally, as a party, Fianna Fáil has called for a review of this scheme in the past given the current restrictive nature of it. Minister McGrath has confirmed that a review of the scheme will take place. The scope of the review is still being developed but it will include the establishment of a working group to include representatives of the disability advocacy bodies, the HSE, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal.”