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Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Ceisteanna (504, 517)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

504. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when the new legislation will be introduced to provide for the replacement scheme for the motorised transport and mobility allowance; the reason for the delay in bringing forward this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16197/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

517. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the policy proposals for the Health (Transport Support) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16280/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 517 together.

Conscious 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 that support choice and independence. In this regard, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.

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 for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly. 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;

- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and

- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

The Deputy may be interested to note that people who previously benefitted from the now closed Motorised Transport Grant, may, if they satisfy the criteria under that scheme, be eligible for tax relief under the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme. This scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Details of the scheme can be found on www.revenue.ie.

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