Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Pringle for asking this question about the disabled and disabled passengers scheme, DDS. This scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on the use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. The scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons, as defined, who meet one of six medical criteria as a driver or as a passenger and to certain organisations. To qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a primary medical certificate issued by the relevant principal medical officer or a board medical certificate issued by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal.

The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the DDS is no longer fit for purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. However, this is very much a matter across government because, while my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have specific responsibility for disability policy. As the Deputy is aware, the national disability and inclusion strategy, NDIS, transport working group recommended that the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. One of the issues being examined is how the DDS can be replaced. The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my predecessor's approval in mid-January 2024. This outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS, which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. It is in line with what the NDIS transport working group report. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice through the establishment of another group of the Department of Taoiseach. This group will start its work shortly and is now expected to report in the autumn.

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