asked the Minister for Health if the proposed new health board scheme for disabled drivers will have a statutory basis; if the boards will be given a specific budget for this scheme; and the proposed guidelines for the scheme.
212.
Written Answers - Scheme for Disabled Drivers.
202.
asked the Minister for Health if he has issued any guidelines to the health boards in relation to assistance to disabled drivers.
I propose to take questions Nos. 202 and 212 together.
The Minister for Finance in announcing in the budget speech that a revised scheme to assist disabled drivers would be administered by my Department through the health boards indicated that I would finalise details of the scheme after consultation with representatives of disabled drivers. Officials of my Department will be meeting the relevant organisations representing the disabled this week for this purpose. No guidelines have as yet been decided. A specific budget will apply to the scheme. The new scheme will be non-statutory.