asked the Minister for Health the total amount of grants provided to disabled persons for the provision or the conversion of motor vehicles in each of the last five years and the number of people who have qualified for such grants in each year for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - Disabled Persons' Motor Vehicles.
370.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table hereunder.
|
Financial Year |
Amount |
No. of recipients |
|
1974 (9 months) |
£22,675 |
60 |
|
1975 |
£19,045 |
44 |
|
1976 |
£9,388 |
23 |
|
1977 |
£15,508 |
38 |
|
1978 |
£26,664 |
56 |
371.
asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the details of eligibility under the present scheme of grants provided for disabled persons for the provision or conversion of motor vehicles, and if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the scheme at the present time.
The main conditions of eligibility for a grant by a health board to a disabled person towards the cost of motor vehicles are as follows:
—the car is essential for the person to earn a living;
—the disability impedes him in the use of public transport;
—he holds a full driving licence;
—he is physically and mentally capable of driving;
—the application is justified on grounds of means.
I am satisfied that the scheme is operating reasonably satisfactorily.