St Ita’s visit sparks a national tax change

A CHANGE to the national Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme has come around thanks to one TD’s visit to a local special school.

‘I paid a visit to St Ita’s school recently as FF Education spokesperson and local east Meath TD,’ Deputy Thomas Byrne stated.

‘ The school complained to me that if they wanted to avail of tax relief for buying a disabled bus, over half the kids had to be wheelchair users. Very few organisations would benefit and I’m pleased to say the government agreed to change the rules and I want to thank St Ita’s for bringing it to my attention.’

Now as long as there is one wheelchair user, they can get the relief.

‘Ellen Harrison and the principal raised it with me and they’ve been fundraising for a minibus, so this is going to help big time,’ he added.

The Party’s Finance Spokesperson, Michael McGrath TD, said that the changes will enable more special schools and service providers to avail of relief from VAT and VRT when purchasing adapted vehicles.

“There are many special schools caring for children with disabilities that currently cannot avail of the scheme because the qualifying conditions are overly restrictive.

“As well as being available to individuals who hold a Primary Medical Certificate, the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme enables certain charitable organisations who care for, and transport, people with severe and permanent disabilities to obtain a relief from VAT and VRT when purchasing specially adapted vehicles.

“At present, only organisations where a majority of service users or pupils qualify for the Primary Medical Certificate can avail of the scheme.

“Schools that care for children with severe and permanent disabilities offer vital supports to their pupils and their families. My colleague, Thomas Byrne, our Education Spokesperson, brought this issue to my attention, and we proposed an amendment to the Finance Bill. Following a positive reaction at the Committee, the Minister for Finance has now agreed to make the relevant changes to the Statutory Instrument.’

St Ita’s have certainly been in the news - a recent visit by FAI boss John Delaney (pictured) followed by Thomas Byrne TD which has sparked a change in government policy.