Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
624 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance can be offered towards provision of a special car seat for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12121/04]
View answerA motorised transport grant, MTG, of up to 75% of the actual cost of purchasing or 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 both the MTG and the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme, the MTG grant payable should not exceed the net outlay incurred, taking into account the benefit from the scheme. The means of the applicant and the applicant's spouse or 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; carers allowance or 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 exempted by legislation, including those for hepatitis C and thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance and 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. The assessment of and entitlement to the motorised transport grant including an appeal in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. Applications for this grant should be made directly to the health board. The applicant may also be eligible for assistance through the aids and appliances budget. He or she should contact his or her local health board for details.
