Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
284. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the legislation required for a new transport support scheme as currently the financial supports for provision of adapted transport for persons with severe disability is grossly underfunded and is having a profound impact on the quality of life of those suffering from disability and also their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32528/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. In that regard, monthly payments of €208.50 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.
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. 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 can confirm that work on the policy proposals in this regard is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly.
As for supports provided by other Government Departments for transport for people with disabilities, the Revenue Commissioners operate a tax relief scheme for the purchase of adapted vehicles for drivers and passengers with disabilities. This scheme, which falls under the remit of the Minister for Finance, provides relief from Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax up to a certain limit, on the purchase of an adapted care for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. It provides for payment of a fuel grant, an exemption from motor tax and an exemption from toll bridge charges. Further details regarding this scheme are available at www.revenue.ie.
