Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an age limit applies to applicants who seek the motorised transport grant from their local health executive; if so, the reason it operates to preclude persons who require transport in order not to remain isolated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7031/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The motorised transport grant was introduced in 1968 by way of Circular 7/68. It is a grant which may be made payable by the Health Service Executive towards the purchase of a car and-or adaptations to a car being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older up to 65 years of age where such a car is essential for him or her to obtain or retain employment. Self-employed persons who satisfy the criteria for eligibility may also be considered, subject to the above age limits.

In cases where application is made on the basis of obtaining or retaining employment, the Health Service Executive must be satisfied that the applicant is capable of holding a job, has the physical capacity to drive the vehicle and is qualified to hold a driver's licence, full or provisional. The grant may also be considered in exceptional circumstances for a person with a severe disability, subject to the above age limits, who lives in a very remote location and whose disability impedes him or her from using public transport.