Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, I understand the fiscal position. However, the qualifying criteria are so strict that many people are being deprived of independent living, etc. because they cannot move from their homes. In many cases, they are financially unable to purchase a car because there are no incentives in place to do so. The Minister set out two figures. I am unsure whether they refer to successful or unsuccessful applicants and call on him to clarify the position. Time and again, all of the disability associations have made representations to me to the effect that the regulations are simply too strict. If the criteria were reviewed, those badly in need could find a way to meet them. Given some of the unsuccessful cases I have come across, I wonder who could possibly be successful. For over 23 years or as long as I have been working with the scheme, the number of successful cases has amounted to one or two at most. Will the Minister, please, examine the matter again to see what could be done? If a review still comes up with the same quantitative answer, we must accept it, but there really is a need to review the criteria from the perspective of those who find themselves in these circumstances. Will the Minister indicate whether it is possible to do this?

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