Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her Department's policy with regard to the issue of motorised supports for people with mobility impairment; if she acknowledges the different models and types of such support; if funding is available to people who required such support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5760/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has responsibility for two schemes to help people with mobility impairments. The Motorised Transport Grant may be paid by the Health Service Executive towards the purchase or adaptation of a car where the person requires it in order to obtain or retain employment. The current maximum rate of payment for this grant is €4,917.20.

The Mobility Allowance is also payable by the Health Service Executive. It provides financial support to eligible people who are unable to walk or use public transport. It is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings — for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey. This allowance is subject to a means test. Applicants for this allowance must be between the ages of 16 and 66. The current maximum rate of payment for this allowance is €190.00 per month. For those who are in receipt of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, the maximum rate of payment is €95.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme comes under the remit of the Department of Finance.