Sinn Fein says the resignation of the entire Disabled Drivers Medical Scheme Appeals Board is concerning.
The board took the step after expressing their thoughts that the criteria for obtaining a Primary Medical Cert is too stringent.
The Cert is required to obtain a Disabled Peron’s Parking Card and to avail of an exemption from paying VAT, motor tax and Vehicle Registration Tax.
A case had been taken to the Supreme court for decision in June 2020 which overturned the Board’s decision to deny two families a Primary Medical Certificate.
“This ruling led to the suspension of the scheme which was only reopened in January 2021 after an amendment to the Finance Bill.
“This was supposed to be an interim measure and a review of the scheme was promised by the Minister for Finance in September 2021 to be carried out by his Department whose remit it comes under, but this was never delivered.
The Department of Finance says the matter is now under consideration by a working group led by the Department of Children and Equality.
The Cashel Based TD says “Many disabled people are effectively being denied the ability to travel due to the stringent criteria for obtaining a Primary Medical Certificate and the delays caused by the court proceedings and the resignation of the appeals board. Deputy Browne called on the government to recognise this, listen to disabled people and prioritise this issue for resolution.
