James Breen
Question:126 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the mobility allowance will be made available to the blind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11611/03]
Written Answers. - Health Board Allowances.
Mobility allowance is a means tested monthly payment, payable by the health boards for persons with a severe disability. The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the mobility allowance in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. Applicants must be 16 years or older and under 66 years. The allowance provides financial support to eligible persons 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.
Eligible persons must reside at home or in any long-stay facility. Such eligible persons can continue to receive payment after they reach their 66th birthday. The current maximum rate of payment for the mobility allowance is €132 per month.
In August 2002 the Department of Health and Children received the submission of the national health board review group on Department of Health and Children disability allowances-grant schemes. One of the recommendations of the review group was the establishment of a medical criteria review group to examine certain health board allowances-grants including the mobility allowance. The issues raised by the Deputy will be addressed in that context.