Deputy Michael Healy Rae TD has challenged the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe,TD to ‘do a lot better’ when it comes to dealing with drivers availing of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme who have been adversely affected by the hike in fuel prices.
“Currently the scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted vehicle and an annual fuel grant of 2000 litres of fuel.
But, over the last year due to the cost of fuel at the pump, the allowance valued has diminished so much that it hardly helps at all,” said Deputy Healy Rae as he quizzed the minister on the matter in Dáil Éireann.
Six Point Medical Qualification
“To qualify for a Primary Medial Certificate (PMC) an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled and satisfy at least one of six medical criteria.
“These people are the most vulnerable of road users and some now are finding it impossible to put fuel into their cars due to the high cost. For a lot of these drivers, a social spin out of their house can help immensely but now they are opting to stay at home as it simply costs too much.
Disabled Drivers Almost Forgotten
Deputy Healy Rae has called on the allowance to be increased at least in the meantime with the cost of living crisis which is affecting everyone.
“While everyone is feeling the pinch, we must, as legislators, always try and do what is right by the most vulnerable and disabled drivers are almost forgotten at times,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
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