Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
33. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if the reimbursement rate under the drivers and passengers with disabilities fuel grant will be increased to reflect recent increases in fuel prices. [34992/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) set against the purchase and use of an adapted car, and for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The Scheme also provides payment of a Fuel Grant, and an exemption from Motor Tax. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
The relief from Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax are generous in nature amounting to up to €10,000, €16,000 or €22,000, depending on the level of adaption required for the vehicle. The Fuel Grant Scheme covers annual payments to those incurring fuel costs in the past 12 months, up to a maximum of 2,730 litres. 2022 rates of payment are as below.
|
Fuel Type |
Rate per litre |
|
Petrol |
€0.636 |
|
Heavy oil |
€0.535 |
|
Liquefied petroleum gas |
€0.130 |
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who meet one of six medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
I gave a commitment that a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, would be undertaken.
In this context I have been working with my Government colleague, Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We are both agreed that the review should be brought within a wider review under the auspices of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, to examine transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities.
We consider this the most appropriate forum to meet mutual objectives in respect of transport solutions/mobility supports for those with a disability.
The NDIS working group, chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte, with officials from both my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as well as others, held its first meeting on the 26th January 2022. A stock-taking exercise of existing transport and mobility schemes currently supporting people with disabilities is ongoing ahead of the next meeting of the group. The issue was also discussed at the most recent meeting of the NDIS Steering Group on April 13th, which included input from stakeholders.
My officials will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to progress this review, and on foot of that will bring forward proposals for consideration.
I cannot comment on any potential changes to the scheme in advance of these proposals.
