Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Creed

Question:

118 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will consider introducing a scheme of financial assistance for persons on disability allowance to assist in meeting the costs of motor tax. [3464/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

The Revenue Commissioners grant a number of tax concessions for disabled drivers and passengers, including exemption from motor tax, under the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' (tax concessions) scheme. A group, chaired by an official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and also comprising officials from the Revenue Commissioners, the Departments of Finance and Health and Children and my own Department are currently reviewing the operation of this scheme.

In addition, the Department of Health and Children operate mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes for disabled persons.

Consequently, my Department has no plans to introduce a scheme of financial assistance for per sons in receipt of disability allowance to assist in meeting the costs of motor tax.

However, in response to a commitment contained in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, a working group has been established to examine the additional costs faced by people with disabilities. This working group is chaired by the Department of Health and Children. The additional mobility and transport costs incurred by people with disabilities will be examined by this working group.