Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023
127. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to introduce the EU disability card in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7603/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission has announced its intention to introduce a legislative proposal to create an EU Disability Card that will be recognised in all Member States. Development of the proposal is currently in its early stages at EU level. The Commission conducted a call for evidence to inform an impact assessment in late 2022. A public consultation also recently opened for feedback.
The Commission hopes to present its proposal by Q4 2023. The proposal will then be subject to negotiations between Member States in the Council and the European Parliament.
Given that development of the EU Disability Card is still in its initial stages, it is not yet clear what services will be included within the remit of the card, nor has a lead department been assigned in Ireland, given the fact that the specific scope of the card is likely to be uncertain for some time.
A pilot programme carried out in some Member States to inform the proposal focused on the areas of culture, leisure, sport and transport.
Ireland looks forward to participating actively in negotiations at EU level on the EU Disability Card going forward.
