Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2016
220. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made concerning the drafting of legislation to establish a new transport support scheme which it is anticipated will replace the now closed motorised transport grant scheme; when it is expected that this process will be formally completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27917/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2013 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes.
However the Government also decided that monthly payments will continue 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.
The Government decided that the detailed 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 at an advanced stage on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. The proposals seek to ensure that there is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation; there is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme; tesources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and the Scheme is capable of being costed and it is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I anticipate that the Heads of Bill will be brought to Government shortly.
