MORE THAN 1,000 disabled people who were refused access to a scheme for claiming tax relief of up to €48,000 on specially adapted cars have been told they have no recourse to an appeal system to try and get the decisions reversed.
The backlog arose following the resignation of the entire Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal in November 2021.
Tuesday 20th June 2023
The Disabled Drivers Association welcomes the news that the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD has signed regulations that establishes a fourth category of reliefs in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, for people with disabilities who require complex and significant adaptions to their vehicles to enable in-vehicle wheelchair access.
Ger Deering, as Ombudsman has been entirely consistent on the subject of supports for the personal transport of people with disabilities for many years, appearing in several Oireachtas Committees.
As he alludes to, we have heard Minister Kathleen Lynch saying a new scheme was imminent. Minister Finian McGrath had a proposal for a new scheme rejected by Cabinet. The latest report recognises the need for new schemes but admits not assigning leadership responsibility to accomplish this.
10 year delay in providing transport supports for people with disabilities is ‘shameful’ - Ombudsman. Ombudsman Ger Deering has said that it is ‘shameful’ that there is still no suitable government support to help people with disabilities access personal transport. This is despite a commitment from government over ten years ago to develop an appropriate scheme, and reports from two government departments highlighting the need for such supports.
Man awarded €30k from wheelchair assistance company after fall at Dublin Airport bus stop.
Kenneth Fox, Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland CEO, discusses a new setback in bid to re-establish the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal
If you have a Primary Medical Certificate and are part of the Disabled Drivers & Passengers Tax Relief scheme you are exempt from paying toll charges. Visit https://dtes.ie/ to find out how to apply.
To help drivers find Accessible Parking Bays Dublin City Council plans to trial some new tech: