Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme not fit for purpose – Bradley

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for vehicle adaptations, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Nikki Bradley said, there needs to be a widening of the eligibility criteria by which people with disabilities can obtain primary medical certs (PMC) within the scheme.

“The DDS aims to assist those with disabilities to make adaptations to their cars through government tax breaks. To get access to this scheme they need a PMC.

“The PMC provides relief from vehicle registration tax and VAT, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.  It is only open to those deemed severely and permanently disabled, as a driver or passenger.

“The current criteria set out has not changed since the 1960s and lists only 6 conditions that qualify but doesn’t include those with single-arm amputations for example.

“If an applicant is turned down, they have only 28 days to appeal the decision to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals. There are also serious delays to the appeals process, with hundreds of applicants looking for their rejected application to be reviewed.

“I’ve heard so many stories of people who have failed to qualify as their disability isn’t seen as ‘severe’ enough to warrant adaption. This is appalling and leaves so many in distress.

“There are too many people still being denied access to vitally important PMCs. We need a review of this archaic system.

“Those living in rural areas are particularly negatively impacted by the strict criteria as they don’t always have access to public transport.

“Maintaining independence and living an active lifestyle is key for people with disabilities, so it’s essential that we do everything we can to support drivers with disabilities.

“The Minister for Finance and Minister of State for Disability need to come together to make reforming this scheme an urgent priority.

“We must introduce a rights-based approach, we cannot see the continuation of people with disabilities not qualifying for something they so desperately need”, concluded Senator Bradley.