Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to extend the motorised transport grant to people over the age of 66 years to relax the disability requirement for qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7773/06]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the disability criteria for eligibility for the motorised transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7825/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 184 together.

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 and 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. 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. My Department is currently examining the issues that the Deputy is referring to in the context of my Department's strategic review of services for people with disabilities.