Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding parking permits (details supplied). [10887/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Last year my Department published a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme which was conducted in close consultation with the bodies responsible for issuing Disabled Parking Permits, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). One of the issues considered in the review was the question of criteria for eligibility for a Disabled Parking Permit. At the time, the criteria permitted blanket grants of permits to people with a variety of medical conditions. The review found that there had been a vast increase in the number of permits issued over the years, and that this had given rise to concerns that those most in need, and for whose benefit the Scheme was originally devised, i.e. those with serious mobility impairments, often had trouble finding available disabled parking spaces.

The review recommended a revision of the eligibility criteria to focus the Scheme more particularly on those with significant mobility impairments. On the basis of this review I am bringing in new criteria from 1 June 2011 which will ensure that the Scheme functions better to help those it is meant to help. In relation to the specific type of case the Deputy mentions, all applications for Disabled Parking Permits will be dealt with by the DDAI and IWA on the same basis as other applications, and, if the individuals meet the criteria in terms of serious mobility impairment, they will of course be eligible for a permit.