Important we have smooth introduction of Fuel Grant Scheme for disabled drivers – Neville

Fine Gael Party Chairperson and TD for Limerick, Dan Neville, has appealed for assurance from Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, that disabled people will still be able to claim excise relief on fuel as we change to the new Fuel Grant Scheme in 2015.

“As a result of an EU ruling, excise relief for people with disabilities will be available through the new Fuel Grant Scheme rather than the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.

“I am anxious that those affected by the change experience as seamless a transition as possible between the two schemes.

“It is important to support disabled drivers and disabled passengers in getting out and about. Excise relief on fuel has been of great assistance to people and this should remain to be the case into the future.

“The Department of Finance is designing the new grant scheme in such a way that those affected can move from one scheme to the other with as little hassle as possible. When all the details of the new scheme have been worked out and finalised, the members of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme will be informed.

“Officials from the Department of Finance have been engaging with other Departments and the Revenue Commissioners in order to examine all the legislative, financing and payment implications of a new fuel grant scheme.”