Some Amputees Are Being Excluded From Accessing Vehicle Tax Relief, According To A Local Senator

Friday, 10 May 2024 11:49

By Martin Osborne

The primary medical certificate scheme provides relief from vehicle registration tax and VAT.

The have been calls to widen the eligibility criteria by which people with disabilities can obtain primary medical certs.

It's been argued that some amputees are being excluded.

The primary medical certificate scheme provides relief from vehicle registration tax and VAT and is only open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or passenger.

To qualify for the relief the applicant must hold a PMC issued by the local HSE board or following an appeal with the Disabled Drivers Board.

The cost of adapting a car could be anywhere between €500 and €15,000 depending on a person's needs.

Kildare South Senator, Fiona O'Loughlin, said the current criteria to qualify is too strict.

“To qualify you are to be completely or almost completely without the use of both legs. However, there are amputees and others who are with the use of limbs that are being excluded. I think this should be reviewed," she said.

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