Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Ceisteanna (640, 641, 753, 853)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

640. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the progress in relation to the reinstatement of the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; and the reason for the delay. [22664/15]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

641. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to announce details for an alternative scheme that is being devised to replace the motorised transport grant, which was suspended in February 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21245/15]

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

753. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce a replacement scheme for the motorised transportation grant scheme, as promised some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21770/15]

Joe Carey

Ceist:

853. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 24 of March 2015, when a new motorised transportation grant or similar scheme will be reintroduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 640, 641, 753 and 853 together.

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new transport support scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.

Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme for 2015. On foot of a Government decision, monthly payments have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, on the basis that this would prevent hardship and, on an interim basis, alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.