Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
801. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be provided to restoring the mobility allowance in budget 2016; the cost in the years 2008 to 2013; the number of persons who benefited from the allowance in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30725/15]
View answer802. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his views that the length of time lapsed in respect of the removal of the motorised transport grant is acceptable; when the policy will be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation; the timeframe for the introduction of a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30726/15]
View answer821. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position on the replacement for the motorised transport grant which was abolished some time ago; when a replacement will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30821/15]
View answer899. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a scheme to replace the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance scheme; the details of the scheme; when he intends this to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31030/15]
View answer1027. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on the replacement schemes for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant which was discontinued in February 2013 with a promise of a replacement within months. [31532/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 801, 802, 821, 899 and 1027 together.
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new transport support scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. Policy proposals are in development and will be brought to Government for consideration and decision. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Governments legislative programme for 2015.
In the years leading up to the closure of the scheme, approximately 4,700 people were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, at an annual cost in the region of €9 million. The Government is aware of the needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. Monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to the 4,700 people who were in receipt of Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme was closed. These payments are continuing in order to prevent hardship and alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.
