Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if grant aid towards a specially adapted family car will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose spouse is wheelchair bound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5567/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA motorised transport grant, MTG, of up to 75% of the actual cost of purchasing-adapting a car, which takes into account the trade-in value of a car being replaced, may be provided up to a limit of €4,575. Where a person qualifies for both the MTG and the disabled drivers and disabled passengers — tax concessions — scheme, the MTG grant payable should not exceed the net outlay incurred, taking into account the benefit of the disabled drivers & disabled passengers — tax concessions — scheme.
The means of the applicant and the applicant's spouse-partner, if any, are taken into account. Means are determined on the basis of gross income less statutory deductions and allowances in respect of rent and mortgage repayments, but include income from assets, investments, lettings, etc.
The following are not considered as means: an allowance received from an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment while undergoing a course of rehabilitative or vocational training; blind welfare allowance; carers allowance-benefit; child benefit; domiciliary care allowance; foster care allowance; higher education grants; income up to a maximum amount approved in employment of a therapeutic or rehabilitative nature; living alone allowance; moneys received from charitable organisations other than remuneration; special compensation awards that are exempted by legislation, e.g. HEP C, thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance; travel and meal allowances paid to participants on Government approved schemes. Any net income in excess of the national average industrial wage which is currently €26,940.16 is deducted from the maximum grant payable of €4,575 on a euro by euro basis.
The assessment of and entitlement to the motorised transport grant including an appeal in an individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive officer, Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
