Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a query regarding section 6, which concerns the related issue of the primary medical certificate and disabled driver's allowance. As the Minister knows, approximately 1,500 people will be denied access to the scheme this year, and a further 150 per month will be denied access to the support because of the suspension of the issuing of primary medical certificates last June on foot of a Supreme Court decision. Even though this has been raised numerous times in the House, including on Second Stage, the Minister of State was not able to provide an update as to when the suspension will be lifted.

I welcome the provisions in section 6 on the mobility allowance. However, the allowance is available only to those who were already in the scheme prior to 2012. The motorised transport grant has not been available since 2012. Both schemes were suspended in that year. I acknowledge that there are complexities associated with reintroducing them. The third scheme, the only other support to allow people with disabilities to get around the State, was the disabled drivers scheme, which provided tax relief in respect of purchasing and adapting cars, tolls and fuel costs. Those with a disability who do not have access to public transport and who did not receive a primary medical certificate prior to June of this year are effectively being marooned in their own homes as a result of the suspension. I find it deeply disappointing that even though this issue was raised on Second Stage, we got absolutely no indication as to when the suspension will be lifted. We need clarity on the matter. People with disabilities who have mobility issues need to know when the scheme is going to be open to them again. As already stated, by the end of this year 1,500 people will have been denied access to the scheme, and further 150 per month will be denied access if it is not reintroduced.