Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1060. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the scheme to replace the motorised transport grant; when it is expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/17]
View answer1134. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the Heath (Transport Support) Bill will come before the Dáil Éireann in view of the fact that the mobility allowance scheme was closed to new applicants in 2013 which has resulted in considerable hardship for persons with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26989/17]
View answer1207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27288/17]
View answer1219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the motorised transport scheme will be reintroduced; and the date on which it will be open to new applicants. [27399/17]
View answer1481. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce the new scheme to replace the motorised transport grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1060, 1134, 1207, 1219 and 1481 together.
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.
The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. In this regard, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.
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 and the Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The 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 greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The next step is to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
