Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 261: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there is flexibility in the age criteria with regard to the motorised transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4218/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Health and Children Motorised Transport Grant circular of July 2002 states that "a Health Board may pay a grant 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/her to obtain or retain employment. Self-employed persons who satisfy the criteria of eligibility may also be considered (subject to above age limits)." My Department has no immediate plans to amend these eligibility criteria.

However, in February 2006 a Government decision was made to implement the Core Functions of the Health Service Report. The Government decision stated that "income support and maintenance schemes together with associated resources should be transferred to the Department of Social and Family Affairs". It further stated that a Working Group, consisting of Department of Health and Children and Department of Social and Family Affairs should be established to proceed with the implementation.

The Department of Health and Children has therefore established the Inter Departmental Implementation Group — Non Supplementary Welfare Allowance payments and Services — to progress the Government decision in regard to income support and maintenance schemes. It has been decided that Domiciliary Care Allowance, Mobility Allowance, Blind Welfare Allowance and Infectious Diseases maintenance Allowance will transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Motorised Transport Grant will be retained by the Department of Health and Children and its future will be examined in the context of mainstream transport policy. In this regard the issue of ages limits currently applicable will be considered.