Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

329 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the motorised transport grants scheme, as administered by the health boards, is means tested; if so, the details of this means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12802/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Applicants for the motorised transport grant are means tested. The guidelines used are reviewed by the health boards on an annual basis in May-June and reflect the average weekly industrial earnings.

Assessment is based on the income of the applicant and spouse, if any, together with any income derived from investment, letting, etc. This is reduced by the following outgoings: allowances for rent, mortgage interest repayments, exceptional needs or expenses exceeding £5 per week, and allowances as permissible under the income tax code, that is, applicant £1,000 PAYE allowance, first grant only, and £4,200 for dependent spouse.

The table gives details of the amount of motorised transport grant applicable to a particular net income category.

Motorised Transport Grants Scheme

Net Income	First Grant
UP TO £13,550	£3,171
£13,551 to £13,700	£3,007
£13,701 to £13,850	£3,121
£13,851 to £14,000	£3,046
£14,001 to £14,150	£2,971
£14,151 to £14,300	£2,896
£14,301 to £14,450	£2,821
£14,451 to £14,600	£2,721
£14,601 to £14,750	£2,621
£14,751 to £14,900	£2,521
£14,901 to £15,050	£2,421
£15,051 to £15,200	£2,321
£15,201 to £15,350	£2,221
£15,351 to £15,500	£2,121
£15,501 to £15,650	£2,021
£15,651 to £15,800	£1,921
£15,801 to £15,950	£1,821