Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
81. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons currently on the waiting list for the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; the timeframe for this waiting list to be cleared; what actions are being taken to implement a new modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22780/24]
View answer97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 10 April 2024, the status of his Department's work to develop a new scheme to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme as recommended by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group; the details of the note submitted by his Department to the senior officials group in January 2024 outlining a proposal for a replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22679/24]
View answer107. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the actions being taken to implement the proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22779/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 97 and 107 together.
First, I can report that as of 13 May 2024 there are 708 appellants on the waiting list for the DDMBA. 321 appellants have been assessed since the appeals process recommenced. Of these, 203 were successful. The Board has prioritised the waiting list using clinically-based criteria. They are working to address the backlog as quickly as possible.
In this regard, it is important to be aware that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of Primary Medical Certs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
Second, my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy or NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
The final report of the NDIS Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the DDS, endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS.
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. One of these issues which is being examined is how the DDS can be replaced. Four meetings of the group have been held, in July, November, December 2023; and March 2024.
The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice.
