Michael Healy-Rae
Question:761. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate motorised transport grant or mobility allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33581/14]
View answerWednesday, 17 September 2014
Questions (761, 765, 958, 974, 1115)
Mattie McGrath
Question:765. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to renew the motorised transport grant scheme which is currently suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34617/14]
View answer
Seán Fleming
Question:958. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the review of the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance; when the new scheme will be put in place; if the existing scheme will be restored as the unnecessary delay is causing difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33709/14]
View answer
Brian Stanley
Question:974. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when he will announce the outcome of the review into an alternative to the motorised transport grant-mobility allowance. [33772/14]
View answer
Clare Daly
Question:1115. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a date for the restoration of the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant. [34648/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 761, 765, 958, 974 and 1115 together.
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance schemes, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes on 26th February, 2013.
On 26th November 2013, the Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health.
Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer.