Dermot Ahern
Question:13 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to increase the Exchequer contribution to the Irish Wheelchair Association driving school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Wheelchair Association Driving School.
Trevor Sargent
Question:29 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the increased inequality which faces people with physical disability in view of the fact that the only driving school which they can use now faces closure. [9742/95]
(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 29 together. As the Deputies may be aware, I met with representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association earlier this year and one of the issues raised with me was the threatened closure of the association's driving school. I was anxious to ensure that this service should continue and, accordingly, asked officials to carry out a detailed examination of the operation and the funding of the school in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association. Following that examination, I made arrangements for the provision of additional funding of £100,000 on an annual basis to ensure the continuation of this service. This additional funding includes new arrangements for capitation payments which will apply also to the driving instruction course provided by the Disabled Drivers Association in Ballindine, County Mayo. A capitation fee of £466 will now be payable for those who undertake a course of driving instruction instead of the previous arrangement where payment was made only to those who passed the driving test. I am confident that this additional funding will ensure the survival of the invaluable services proved by both driving schools for people with disabilities.
I thank the Minister for his reply and for meeting the association. Is the grant of £100,000 a once-off grant or will it be made on an annual basis? Will the Minister set up funding on a statutory basis for the association's driving school, which the Department accepts is an extremely useful and worthy service?
(Limerick East): The grant of £100,000, which is being made through the Eastern Health Board, will provide some of the core funding for the driving school. The ongoing arrangements will involve a capitation grant of £466 which will be applicable to all those who undertake the course rather than those who pass, as was the case previously. The Irish Wheelchair Association is satisfied that the financial future of both schools is secure.
As regards the members of the Irish Wheelchair Association who have been protesting outside Leinster House throughout the week, will the Minister, together with the Minister for Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, put forward proposals to ensure full accessibility to public transport for members of the association who do not have a car?
(Limerick East): I understand the issue relates to accessibility to Dublin Bus transport. Obviously, I have an interest in this matter, as have other Ministers, but the question should be tabled to the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in the first instance.
The Irish Wheelchair Association has put a proposal to Government that funding be provided in the interim, while the rolling stock is replaced, to take account of their needs and that the Government fund, presumably through the Department of Health, a public transport service that would be operated by the association. Will the Minister consider that application favourably?
We may be going beyond the bounds of the question.
(Limerick East): The question relates to a driving school for disabled drivers and we are discussing Dublin Bus. I do not want to give partial information speaking from memory. That area is not nor would I expect it to be in my brief. If the Deputy requires that information I can supply it by way of letter.