Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator John O'Mahony for raising this very important issue. I accept he has been campaigning on it and asking me about it for a long time. I share his frustration about this issue. It is important to outline again the current position in this matter. There are blockages that we are trying to deal with but as the Senator will be aware already, the Government decided to close both the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance schemes in February 2013. This decision arose as a result of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of both schemes. I believe it is important to clarify that there are no plans to restore either of these schemes as they previously operated. However, the Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence.

In that regard, it is important to know that monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the mobility allowance. The Government then decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new transport support scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Department of Health. The Senator will be aware that A Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new transport support scheme. The Government's legislative programme for 2017 includes the Health (Transport Support) Bill. Both the Minister, Deputy Harris, and I are committed to its progression as soon as possible. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly.The proposals will seek to ensure that there is a firm statutory basis for the scheme's operation, that there is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the scheme, that resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs and that the scheme is capable of being costed and affordable when introduced on an ongoing basis. The Department is seeking a solution which best meets the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs while keeping within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. The challenge for us all is to develop a new scheme on a statutory basis within a limited budget which is targeted at those with the greatest need. I assure the Senator that the matter will be brought to the Government for consideration and a decision as soon as possible. I look forward to a valuable and constructive debate when the Bill comes before the House in due course.