Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Health the financial assistance available to the carer of a person with a mental disability who provides transport for that person on an ongoing basis; if he accepts that the provision of private transport is essential for those suffering from a mental disability as public transport is not an option for various reasons such as safety and availability and that this provision by the carer adds a financial burden to them which is causing severe hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Government policy, through the National Disability Strategy, aims to improve access to mainstream public services, including transport, for people with a disability. The Strategy is a programme of action to support and reinforce equal participation in society by people with a disability. This equal participation will be brought about by integration in the mainstream wherever possible, and minimum segregation. The successful achievement of mainstreaming will be when people with a disability are supported to access all the services and supports available to their peers.

There are a number of public service supports in place for people with a disability in respect of their transport and mobility needs, including

Tax concessions: remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax (VRT), repayment of value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of a vehicle and repayment of VAT on the cost of adapting a vehicle; repayment of excise duty on fuel used in a vehicle for the transport of a disabled person, up to a maximum of 2728 litres per year. In addition, people who qualify under the scheme may be exempt from the payment of annual road tax on application to their local Motor Tax Office.

the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant

free public transport for people with disabilities and a companion through the Department of Social Protection

improved accessibility of public transport

Rural Transport Programme and

transport provided by specialist disability service providers and charities.