Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
140. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when the alternative payment to the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance will be put into place considering that it was promised that the details of the payment would be announced in June 2012. [38670/14]
View answer164. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the supports available to families that are on a social welfare payment and not able to access the disabled drivers scheme as it is suspended for those families; the way he plans to support these families with a family member who requires specialist transport for their disabled family member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38793/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 164 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.
The Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Concession Scheme is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. The scheme provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of vehicles by disabled drivers and disabled passengers in Ireland.
There is no scheme which would provide finance to a person with a disability to purchase a car/vehicle where the individual cannot afford to purchase a car/vehicle as outlined by the Deputy.
