Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the mobility allowance is means tested; if her Department will consider reversing this for people with spina bifida and other serious disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1235/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Mobility Allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive, which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey.

To qualify for a social assistance payment a person must satisfy a means test. The means test examines sources of income and includes provision to disregard numerous sources of income including child benefit, carers allowance/benefit, supplementary welfare, fuel allowance and living alone allowance.

Mobility Allowance applicants must undergo a means test to ensure a cost effective delivery of the scheme. As per any social assistance scheme, a balance must be struck between the needs of any individual and the requirements to prioritise public funds. Any person who receives mobility allowance must do so on the basis of genuine need in accordance with the medical criteria and the means test laid down in the scheme.