Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

84 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the possibility of revising the mobility allowance paid to people with disabilities in order to bring it into line with the system in the United Kingdom where recipients can receive the allowance weekly and can have it paid directly to a garage for the purchase of a car. [9243/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The mobility allowances was introduced in 1979 to finance the occasional taxi journey for severely handicapped persons unable to walk or use public transport and who would benefit from trips from home. The current rate of this allowance is £37.10 per month and it is increased yearly in line with the budgetary increases in social welfare allowances.

In addition, a motorised transport grant scheme for disabled drivers is administered by the health boards. The scheme was introduced to help disabled drivers to get a job and was later extended to include disabled drivers who needed a car to retain their employment. However, a person who lives in an isolated area may also qualify for this scheme. Payment of the grant is also subject to a means test and the current maximum grant is £2,575.

Disabled drivers may also avail of tax concessions under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994, which are administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Under these regulations a severely and permanently disabled person may qualify for a number of tax reliefs including Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), VAT, excise duty on road fuels and road tax. These reliefs are designed to benefit permanently disabled persons with severe mobility restrictions who satisfy one or more of the specific medical criteria laid down in the regulations and who have their vehicles suitably constructed or adapted for driver or passenger use, as appropriate. Medical certification is undertaken by the local health board or, on appeal, by a special board of appeal.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, which was established in December 1993, is currently examining how people with disabilities could participate more fully in the economic, cultural and social life of the community. The commission is assessing existing services for people with disability, including income support and will recommend initiatives in legislation, policy and organisation so that the needs of people with a disability are met in a more comprehensive way. It is not my intention to revise the mobility allowance pending the publication of the commission's report.