Jack Wall
Question:152 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the problems that persons in receipt of mobility allowance are now encountering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6227/01]
Written Answers. - Mobility Allowance.
The mobility allowance, which is a monthly payment by the health boards, provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey. The rate of the allowance is being doubled to a maximum of £90 per month from 1 April next, and it had been envisaged that from that date persons who benefit from the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' – tax concessions – scheme would be unable to also avail of the mobility allowance. By definition, the beneficiaries of the tax based scheme have access to transport which is heavily subsidised by the State and the object of the new arrangement is to target the increased mobility allowance at incapacitated people who do not enjoy these advantages.
In consultation with the Minister for Finance, I have considered this proposal in light of concerns expressed and representations received about the impact of a complete cessation of the mobility allowance on some affected individuals, and it has been decided that, while the increased rate of £90 per month will, as intended, be given only to people who do not also enjoy tax subsidies, those benefiting from both schemes should retain the mobility allowance at the existing rate of £45 per month.