asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the concessions available from his Department's funding in respect of motoring costs that are available to disabled drivers.
Written Answers. - Disabled Drivers' Grant Scheme
106.
The only assistance available from my Department is the motorised transport grant scheme operated through the health boards.
Under this scheme health boards may make grants of up to a maximum of £1,500 available for the conversion of an existing motor vehicle or for the purchase of an adaped new motor vehicle for use by a disabled person. A second grant may be payable at a reduced rate after four to five years has elapsed.
The main criteria employed when assessing an applicant's eligibility are:
(i) the car must be essential to the disabled person to allow him earn a living;
(ii) the person's disability must impede him/her from using public transport;
(iii) the applicant must hold a Class F driving licence;
(iv) the applicant must be physically and mentally capable of driving; and
(v) the applicant must pass a means test.
Income limits for the means test are linked to prevailing industrial wage rates. Certain expenses and tax allowances are also taken into account.