Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2015

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Questions (129)

Michael Lowry

Question:

129. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance which were abolished by the Government in February 2013, to the detriment of many thousands of recipients; if he will provide a concrete timeframe for the introduction of a replacement scheme; for policy proposals which the Government is developing for some time; the reason for the prolonged delay in creating a replacement scheme; his plans to include such a replacement scheme in the next budget; if he is aware of the distress being caused to those persons with a physical disability who, almost three years later, are still waiting for a replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33491/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government decided that the detailed 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.

Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. These proposals seek to ensure that:

- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;

- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;

- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs;

- The Scheme is capable of being costed and it is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

Payments of up to €208.50 per month are continuing to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, in February 2013. Any proposals put to Government will seek to take account of this group.

Heads of Bill have now been developed in draft form and are currently subject to detailed legal examination. The approval of a General Scheme and Heads of Bill by the Government will be followed by publication and pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Health and Children Committee. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is included in the Government Legislation Programme.