Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As this is an important issue, I hope the Acting Chairman will indulge us by giving us some extra time to debate it.

I am pleased to take the opportunity to outline the Government's position on the matter raised by Deputies Billy Kelleher and Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, namely, the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant. The Government is very conscious of the needs of people with a disability who require transport supports from the State. Up to 4,700 people receive a mobility allowance, while 300 people a year receive a motorised transport grant. The Government is also conscious of the position of the Ombudsman that the schemes are illegal in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

Following detailed consideration of issues surrounding the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant, the Government has decided it is no longer possible to allow the two schemes to continue as they currently operate and to devise an alternative solution or solutions which will meet people's needs. Independently chaired, a review group will seek an alternative method for ensuring the needs of persons affected can be provided for in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts. It is important to note the Government's decision is in no way intended to save costs. The funding involved in the two schemes, €10.6 million, remains committed to meeting the priority transport and mobility needs of people with a disability. It is also important to note that, despite the fact that the Government's decision ends both schemes to new applicants with immediate effect, the payment of the mobility allowance to those currently in receipt of it will continue for another four months.

The Ombudsman recommended that the Department of Health revise both schemes to make them compliant with the Equal Status Acts by removing the age limit and using a broader definition of disability in respect of eligibility for both schemes. It has proved extremely difficult to resolve this matter. Several policy options have been considered in detail. These have raised significant issues, including the feasibility of extending eligibility under the schemes. However, the cost of such an extension could be as much as €100 million per annum in the case of mobility allowance and €200 million over a three year period in the case of the motorised transport grant. Another issue that emerged was if the eligibility criteria were expanded and the current budget of €10.6 million was retained, the resultant payments to the people eligible would be so reduced as to make them almost meaningless. Any additional cost incurred by an expansion of the schemes would have to be met from current expenditure and result in a reduction of front-line specialist disability, older people and mental health services for people who need them.

The Government has come to the conclusion that an extension of either scheme would create serious financial pressure on the health budget in the current climate and be unsustainable. A project group has been established to examine both schemes and will recommend a solution or solutions which will address priority mobility and transport needs of those who require supports. The terms of reference are being finalised and agreed with the group. However, it has been agreed that the group will work in a number of stages, commencing as a priority with a review of the issues around the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant. The group will continue its work once this first phase is over and examine wider issues around transport for persons with disabilities. As part of the review, the Health Service Executive will examine the circumstances of all those currently benefiting from the schemes to ensure the identified solutions will encompass their priority mobility needs. In addition, the Minister for Health has instructed the HSE to contact each individual in receipt of the payments to notify them of this decision.

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