Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Ombudsman’s report stated that if, as a country, we are committed to the full implementation of the UNCRPD, we must ensure an inclusive approach to ensuring all those living with a disability can participate equally and actively in their communities and work. Transport really is a liberator for people with a disability, particularly if they live in a rural area.

First and foremost, I would like to point out the fact that there has been no progress on this issue since our motion on 16 February 2022. The lack of action and delay by the Government in introducing a fair and fit-for-purpose transport scheme for people with disabilities is significantly affecting their ability to live independently and participate in all aspects of life.

At one time, three schemes were operating for disability transport services. Two schemes were suspended in 2013. It is now 2023 and these schemes have not been replaced, even though it was indicated at the time that alternatives would be devised. The third scheme, that is, the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme, became one of the few avenues available to families seeking additional help as it provided tax relief on the purchase of specially constructed or adapted vehicles and wheelchairs for someone with a disability.

The primary medical certificate is a key component in the life of people with disabilities. The Indecon report stated that the cost of living with a disability is between €9,000 and €12,000 per individual. This is the cost of items specifically relating to disability, special versions of products and transport and mobility on top of their ordinary living costs. The scheme recognises the fact that people with disabilities should be able to lead full and active lives within our communities via access to public and personal transport. However, the fight to secure primary medical certificates is making disabled people prisoners in their own homes. Applicants are being rejected the required medical certificate following assessment at community level because the six eligibility criteria for this scheme are highly restrictive and exclude many people with genuine, severe and permanent disabilities from accessing supports. Unable to access Government support to help with their personal transport needs, they are confined to their homes, unable to engage on an equal basis in employment or in their community. On top of this, they have been left waiting for an appeal date due to the inaccessibility of a sitting board.

With the Taoiseach announcing the re-establishment of the board during Leaders’ Questions in February, questions arose regarding the review of eligibility criteria for this new board as well as how long it will take to process the backlog from the pandemic and from the suspension following the Supreme Court decision in June 2020 and the subsequent resignation of all members of the previous board in late 2021. I received an email from the board of appeal on Tuesday, 2 May regarding one of my constituents. This person had the assessment appointment on 10 March 2022, which was rejected, and has been on the waiting list for an appeal ever since. The email stated that “There is no word from the Department of Finance yet as to when we can resume the clinics”. We need an update on this now.

We need a scheme that looks at disability in terms of functions rather than pathology. We should ask about a person's level of function and what the person needs in the vehicle. They should qualify on that basis whether they are autistic, epileptic or a stroke patient. We need to look at a graded system of support. Some people need big adaptations, such as special vehicles in which a wheelchair can be placed as they cannot drive themselves. Others may just need a specialist seat or a swivel seat.

We all talk a great deal about employability for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, if they cannot leave their house, it is a very poor start. In rural areas of my constituency, such as Annagassan, public transport is not available for everybody. Currently, 86% of Bus Éireann’s entire passenger fleet of 680 vehicles is wheelchair accessible but its effectiveness is limited due to a lack of accessible bus stops that have the 3 m footpath width required to facilitate a wheelchair lift. A 24-hour notice period of travel is required for wheelchair users as the coaches used on accessible services require the removal of up to four seats prior to the journey along with an operational check on the wheelchair lift.

A constituent recently visited my office in Louth to complain that he was denied travel on a fully accessible bus, adding four hours to his journey and a cost of €200 as he had not booked it via the booking service. On top of this, other constituents living in rural areas email me constantly highlighting that in all of Dundalk, only one taxi is fitted for wheelchair access and when they can access this service, they are charged around €40. Transport solutions and mobility supports for those with a disability must be targeted immediately.

We are asking the Government to provide funding to finalise and introduce a comprehensive transport support scheme to replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes as a matter of urgent policy; to reinstate and amend the primary medical certificate process, which currently is not fit for purpose; to address the issues relating to the eligibility criteria for the schemes with immediate effect; to improve access to public transport for people with disabilities; to invest in transport infrastructure that considers and supports accessibility, mobility and inclusion for people with a disability; and to introduce a new integrated transport scheme for people with disabilities and their carers that ensure there are flexible arrangements that meet the needs of the individual and are compliant with the Equal Status Act.

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