Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:103 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who due to his health condition seeks priority aid for a car with hand controls. [18232/96]
Written Answers. - Motorised Transport Grant.
Limerick East): A motorised transport grant is payable by health boards for the conversion of an existing motor vehicle or towards the purchase of an adapted new car for use by a disabled person. The objective of the grant is to help a person with a disability seek and-or retain employment. Eligibilty is subject to a means test and a medical assessment and the maximum grant payable at present is £2,718. Persons who require a car for purposes other than getting to or from work may qualify for assistance under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 made by the Minister for Finance. The tax reliefs available include Vehicle Registration Tax — VRT — VAT, excise duty on road fuels and road tax. As the payment of a motorised transport grant in an individual case is a matter for the health board concerned, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Midland Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.