Vol. 566 No. 2
154 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he can confirm that motorised transport grants are available for the conversion of an existing motor vehicle for use by a disabled person, from the health boards, and the qualifying criteria; and if this grant is available from each health board throughout the country. [12480/03]
All health boards may pay a grant towards the purchase of a car and-or adaptations to a car being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older and up to 65 years of age where such a car is essential for him or her to obtain or retain employment. Self-employed persons who satisfy the criteria of eligibility may also be considered, subject to the above age limits.
In cases where application is made on the basis of obtaining or retaining employment or self employment, the board must be satisfied that the applicant is capable of holding down a job, has the physical capacity to drive the vehicle and is qualified to hold a driver's licence, full or provisional.
However, qualified persons with a disability who are incapable of driving or who have been medically advised not to drive and who have to be driven to and from their place of employment will only be considered eligible for a grant provided that they will be driven by another named person to and from their place of employment. The car must be purchased in the name of the person with a disability.
The medical criteria for obtaining the motorised transport grant are as follows: the applicant must have a severe disability and the applicant's disability must impede him-her from using public transport.
