Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 May 2004
208 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the medical criteria set out by his Department relative to the issue of parking permits for the disabled cover those with autism; if parents of autistic children come within the criteria set down; if not, if he intends to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/04]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers' Association to grant a disabled person's parking permit where they are satisfied that the applicant is suffering from a disability that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking. No specific medical condition is stipulated in the regulations.
Where the permit is displayed on a vehicle, a range of parking restrictions established through the regulations do not apply is respect of that vehicle where it is parked for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was granted.
