Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
206. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will give consideration to introducing primary medical certificates to all individuals with physical disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52452/23]
View answerAt the outset, the Deputy should note that I am aware of Clare Council's resolution in respect of introducing primary medical certificates (PMCs) to all individuals with physical disabilities.
It is important to be aware that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
You may be aware that the final report of the NDIS Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS, as it is no longer fit-for-purpose on any and all aspects. The proposals note this was a clear deliverable for the near future.
The NDIS TWG was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. A first meeting was held in July 2023, and a second one was held in early November. Department of Taoiseach officials are currently considering material supplied after the most recent meeting.
In the above context, I believe that any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
