Mobility Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 January 2014

Thursday, 30 January 2014

Questions (187)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

187. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the mobility allowance is available to persons who are registered legally blind. [4773/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The mobility allowance was closed to new applicants on 26th February 2013. Individuals who were in receipt of the mobility allowance prior to 26th February 2013 are receiving the payment pending decisions on a new statutory scheme. The Government decided in December 2013 that the detailed preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions, including eligibility criteria and administrative arrangements, will be progressed as a priority by the Minister for Health, in consultation with other relevant Ministers.