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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 81 together.

The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme, DDS, is no longer fit for purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicular adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. However, this is a matter for the Government because, while my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have direct 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 Taoiseach, officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report, including how the DDS can be replaced. The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my predecessor's approval in mid-January. This note outlined a proposal for a replacement scheme with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicular adaptations. Further consideration is being given to this matter through a group established in the Department of Taoiseach, which will start its work shortly and is expected to report in the autumn.

Regarding Deputy Wynne's question, only a related family member who is the primary transporter and carer of a disabled passenger who holds a primary medical certificate, PMC, is eligible for DDS provisions. I note that there is a specific and limited provision whereby a ward of court, who must be a PMC holder, may involve a non-related carer who is therefore eligible for DDS provisions. I am informed by Revenue that there are very few such cases.

Regarding the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and the transition of wards of court to provisions under the Act, this matter is being considered by my officials, including the policy implications of this transition for the DDS.

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