Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
129. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Finance in cases where an individual does not meet the criteria as laid down for a primary medical certificate (details supplied), if there is consideration of criteria being adjusted or flexible in such cases; if there are plans to revive a scheme previously in place to assist individuals not entitled to a primary certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20046/24]
View answerThe Deputy should note at the outset that whilst my Department has oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, I do not have responsibility for disability policy. Consequently, I am not in a position to comment on your question about the revision of a previous support scheme, as my understanding is that such a scheme did not fall within the remit of my Department.
As you are aware, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons, as defined by the criteria in the Finance Act 2020, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Principal Medical Officer (PMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
My Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose and these views were reflected in the final report of the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the DDS. In summary, this report endorsed proposals put forward by my Department for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS.
The Working Group was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
As access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies, the Department of Taoiseach has established a Senior Officials Group (SOG) to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward.
My officials are proactively engaging with this SOG’s work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. Four meetings of the group have been held, in July, November, December 2023; and March 2024.
My Department submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
Finally, it is important to note that any proposal to replace the DDS will be a matter for Government to decide upon .
