Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
181 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to extend mobility allowance to persons who are over 66 years and who qualify for mobility allowance on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14847/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMobility allowance is payable by health boards, subject to a means test to a person with a severe disability between the ages of 16 and 66. Such eligible persons can continue to receive payment after they reach their 66th birthday. The allowance provides financial support to eligible persons unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings.
The national health board review group on Department of Health and Children disability allowances-grant schemes report of June 2002 recommended that entitlement should be extended to applicants 66 years and over who would otherwise qualify.
My Department accepts in principle the recommendation and is examining it in the context of ongoing work on the introduction of a cost of disability payment, and the capacity of current transport infrastructure to meet the needs of people with disabilities and mainstreaming of service provision for people with disabilities.
