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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 2

Written Answers. - Motorised Grant Allowance.

Willie Penrose

Question:

136 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility criteria applicable to persons seeking a motorised grant allowance; the benefits which are available to applicants who are approved for participation in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20398/01]

The motorised transport grant is a means tested payment administered by the health boards. The purpose of this allowance is to provide assistance to persons with a disability who may need a car to obtain/retain employment and/or to provide assistance to persons with a disability who are living in very isolated circumstances and have serious transport problems.

To be eligible to receive this allowance applicants must satisfy the following conditions: their disability must impede their use of public transport; they must hold a driving license; they must be physically and mentally capable of driving; and the motorised transport must be a necessity in order for the person to obtain/retain employment or the person must have a transport requirement because of very isolated circumstances.
Applications may also be considered in cases where persons with severe disabilities are incapable of managing the controls of a car or where, on medical opinion, it is inadvisable for them to drive and therefore they must be driven to and from their place of employment. In such cases the car must be purchased by the person with a disability and the name of the person who will drive this person to and from his/her place of employment must be notified to the relevant health board.
The maximum grant is £3,300, effective from 1 April.
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