Michael Ring
Question:254 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to increase the mobility allowance or to introduce a voucher scheme that allows for the use of taxis for public transport by disabled people. [25472/00]
Written Answers. - Mobility Allowance.
The mobility allowance is a means tested scheme that provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport in order to finance the occasional taxi journey. The current maximum rate of mobility allowance is £45.60 per month. The rate is increased each year in line with budgetary increases in social welfare payments.
The Deputy will wish to know that this allowance, among others, is being considered in the context of the following interdepartmental working groups: the review group which is examining the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) scheme, chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and the working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, which is examining the feasibility of introducing a cost of disability payment, and chaired by my Department.