Robert Troy
Question:306. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the health (transport support) Bill. [2334/19]
View answerTuesday, 22 January 2019
Questions (306, 307)
Robert Troy
Question:307. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the transport support payment for disabled persons; when it will be made available in view of the fact that the motorised transport grant for persons with disabilities ceased in 2013; and his views on whether the cessation of this scheme has had a large impact on persons with a disability. [2335/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government in May 2018 on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme in May 2018. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. Prior to the closure of the scheme in 2013, approximately 300 people per annum qualified for a Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period. The maximum grant payable was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.