Richard Bruton
Question:162 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the rate of grant and the means test which applies in respect of the motorised transport grant; and his plans to change the terms of this grant in 2004. [27974/03]
Written Answers. - Health Board Allowances.
A motorised transport grant, MTG, of up to 75% of the actual cost of purchasing/adapting a car, which takes into account the trade-in value of a car being replaced, may be provided up to a limit of €4,575. Where a person qualifies for the MTG and disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions scheme, the MTG grant payable should not exceed the net outlay incurred, taking into account the benefit of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions scheme.
The means of the applicant and the applicant's spouse/partner, if any, are taken into account. Means are determined on the basis of gross income less statutory deductions and allowances in respect of rent and mortgage repayments, but include income from assets, investments, lettings, etc.
The following are not considered as means: an allowance received from an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment while undergoing a course of rehabilitative or vocational training; blind welfare allowance; carer's allowance/benefit; child benefit; domiciliary care allowance; foster care allowance; higher education grants; income up to a maximum amount approved in employment of a therapeutic or rehabilitative nature; living alone allowance; moneys received from charitable organisations other than remuneration; special compensation awards that are exempted by legislation, for example, HEP C, thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance; travel and meal allowances paid to participants on Government approved schemes; any net income in excess of the national average industrial wage which is currently €26,940.16 is deducted from the maximum grant payable of €4,575 on a euro by euro basis.
My Department accepts the recommendations made by the national health board working group on disability related allowances in relation to the motorised transport grant. However, consideration of any amendment to existing schemes and services will be subject to Government policy on additional service developments in 2004 and the prevailing budgetary considerations.