Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:278. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a new transport allowance will be established to replace the mobility allowance that was closed in 2013. [9331/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 February 2019
Ceisteanna (278, 279, 366)
Robert Troy
Ceist:279. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the reintroduction of the motorised transport allowance. [9480/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jack Chambers
Ceist:366. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9466/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279 and 366 together.
The Deputies will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government in May 2018 on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and ongoing work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.