Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Deputy O'Sullivan on his election to Dáil Éireann and I thank him for his first question to me on what I know is a very important matter. My Department and I share concerns that the scheme 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.

Under the previous Government, the national disability and inclusion strategy, NDIS, transport working group recommended that the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme 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.

Subsequently, under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the subgroup convened to progress these proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the disabled drivers scheme, DDS, have produced a report that has been submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach, for its consideration.

In that context, any further changes to the existing scheme would run counter to proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. The programme for Government commits to progressing the review of the scheme and this is very much a matter for a wider government response.

10 o’clock

While I do not have responsibility for disability policy, I do have responsibility for a number of the other issues raised by the Deputy. I will work with my Government colleagues to progress this matter in the coming months.

I apologise to the Deputy. I referred to him using the name of the Deputy who put down the question in written form. I have not met Deputy Connolly before. I congratulate him. I am sorry I opened by referring to him as another TD.

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