Disabled Drivers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Ceisteanna (530)

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

627 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the decision to refuse the motorised transport grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on whether this is fair in view of the exceptional and difficult circumstances of the case in question; if he will consider the contradictory nature of the system in that it requires that in order for a person to receive VRT/VAT relief, an adaptation must be made to the car in question, however, the necessary adaptations cannot be made without the assistance of the motorised transport grant; if this case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25083/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The Motorised Transport Grant and the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme are two separate supports for people with a severe disability. Each has different qualifying medical and means criteria. Qualifying for the tax concessions does not guarantee that a person will qualify for the Motorised Transport Grant.

I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to the circumstances of the individual case raised by the Deputy.