Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being here earlier. I needed to be in the Dáil for two oral questions to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I thank the witnesses for being here today and for helping us to understand multiple issues related to transport systems. We all know that accessible and inclusive transport is a really important enabler for participation in normal life events. It is necessary for work, socialising, independence, education and many other things. However, the impact of poor and inaccessible transport is somehow not fully appreciated by the State as a major barrier for disabled people and their families. One of the witnesses also mentioned the additional transport and related costs faced by disabled people and their households, from major investment in vehicles to expensive additional journeys and having to use taxis.

Yesterday the Dáil passed a Social Democrats motion seeking an action plan on the cost of disability. That report outlines the extra transport costs faced by disabled people. The additional cost of having a disability in Ireland is up to €12,000 annually. We can only hope that the Government acts on that and listens to the witnesses' points on things like the motorised transport grant, mobility allowance and the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme.

The discontinuation of the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant to new applicants in 2013 was disgraceful in itself. That no adequate replacement has been developed nearly eight years later is truly shocking and really difficult for people to get their heads around. I do not believe the vast majority of the public knows that. The situation is another clear violation of individual rights under the UNCRPD, both the right to equal access to transport in Article 9 and independent living in Article 19. We all agree on the need for public transport. As a Deputy representing a rural constituency, I am very aware of private transport being a vital resource for disabled people and the need for targeted supports in that regard.

In her opening statement, Ms Cox said that a one-size-fits-all model for mobility support does not work for disabled people. There is a complexity of interacting issues and conditions that can affect an individual's mobility which can change over time, sometimes quickly. Departments and the Revenue Commissioners have insisted on a very medicalised model which focuses on impairments rather than individual capacities. I ask her to elaborate on how the system should work for mobility support. The committee would like to be able to make specific recommendations.

Mr. Fox highlighted how little has changed since the 1960s concerning accessing the tax relief scheme. I again ask for specifics on what application process and criteria would be more suitable. If I have time, I may ask more questions later.