Skip to main content
Normal View

Mobility Allowance Decision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (614, 627, 670, 686, 694)

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

614. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health the plans that have been put in place to replace the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant; when it will be put in place in view of the fact that the dissolution is due to take place in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25357/13]

View answer

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

627. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date of the project group established to seek an alternative method for the priority transport needs of persons following the abolition of the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant; if he will indicate when the group's recommendations will be presented to him; and if he will confirm that those currently in receipt of State support under both of the schemes that have been abolished will continue to receive State support pending a resolution of the difficulties posed by the abolition of both schemes. [25130/13]

View answer

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

670. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he has received an interim report from the group reviewing the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant as payments under both of these heads terminate in June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25661/13]

View answer

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

686. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that following his decision to abolish the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant, disabled persons in Dublin Central are no longer able to attend rehabilitative training services, access to the wider community has been severely limited increasing social isolation and their independence and dignity has been severely reduced; the corrective action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25847/13]

View answer

Willie Penrose

Question:

694. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when the review group report into the mobility allowance and motorised grant schemes will be finalised; the steps being taken to put in place an appropriate scheme to implement the principles of the said schemes which are essential for advanced participation by persons with disabilities in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614, 627, 670, 686 and 694 together.

The Government is very conscious of the needs of people with a disability. The payment of Mobility Allowance will continue until June. A Project Review Group has been working to seek solutions which do not run counter to the Equal Status Acts. An interim report regarding the immediate issue of the closure of the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes has now been submitted to both Minister Reilly and myself and is under consideration with a view to bringing it to Government in the near future. A final report, looking at the wider issue of general transport for people with disabilities will be submitted in June. At this stage, it is not possible to pre-empt the outcome of the review or the decision of the Government. Announcements will be made following a Government decision on the matter.

Top
Share