Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 156 together.

At the outset, the Deputy should note that the final report of the national disability inclusion strategy transport working group’s review of mobility and transport supports, including the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme, endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the current disabled drivers scheme, as it is no longer fit for purpose on any and all aspects. The proposals note this was a clear deliverable for the near future. This group was chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Departments and Government agencies. Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the national disability inclusion strategy report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this senior officials group work as an important step in considering ways to replace the existing scheme, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. Three meetings of the senior officials group to which I referred have been held to date, in July, November and December 2023.

In relation to an update on the work of the senior officials group, the Deputy should be aware that my Department has submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the disabled drivers scheme, which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with the working group report that was endorsed.

It is expected that this note will be considered by the officials group at a meeting to be held shortly.

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