Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if the criteria to qualify for a disabled persons parking permit will be reviewed as there are a number of medical conditions that do not qualify for these permits such as Chron's disease. [34856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind.
In 2010 the Department conducted a review of the scheme, in consultation with various stakeholders. One of the issues examined was eligibility. Disability groups in particular were unhappy that some permits were issued for medical conditions, rather than mobility impairment. The scheme was revised so that permits are now given on the basis of mobility impairment, rather than the diagnosis of a particular condition or illness. This is in line with the original intention of the scheme.
The possibility of extending the eligibility criteria to include people with non-mobility related physical disabilities or conditions, or those with certain forms of intellectual or cognitive impairment, has been raised on a number of occasions and the Department has consulted extensively with the joint issuing authorities, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association, on this matter. In light of this consultation, there are currently no plans to change the criteria.
I and my department appreciate that everyday life with a condition such as Crohn's Disease can be challenging. I must emphasise to the Deputy, however, that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and, crucially, compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces for those who need them the most.
