Duncan Smith
Question:156. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Finance what plans there are to reform the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30224/23]
View answerThursday, 22 June 2023
Questions (156)
Written answers
The National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group (NDIS TWG), comprising members from a range of Departments, agencies and Disabled Persons Organisations, was tasked under Action 104 to review all Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability, including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS). The NDIS TWG final report was published on 24th February 2023 and welcomed the proposal put forward by my Department that the DDS should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-aided vehicular adaptation scheme, i.e. to provide direct financial assistance to individuals needing vehicle adaptations according to their needs, to meet their personal transport requirements and ultimately to facilitate independence and participation in society.
The NDIS TWG final report also noted both the outdated approach of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme and the fact that the scheme needed to be addressed as a matter of priority. The Working Group agreed that proposals in this regard was a clear deliverable on which work could begin in the relatively near future.
The NDIS TWG final report does not set out next steps with respect to the new scheme. This will be a matter for Government to decide.