Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 247: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way applicants for parking permits for the disabled are assessed; the person who determines eligibility for this scheme; if the new disabled drivers' permits incorporate anti-fraud measures; his plans to review or revise the medical eligibility criteria, for example, focus more on a person's level of mobility impairment rather than the type of disability they have; if he will include cardiac and respiratory criteria when these limit mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1698/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Disabled Parking Scheme is operated on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). The Scheme functions under Regulations , and my Department has agreed terms and conditions with the DDAI and the IWA for its detailed operation.

Applicants for the permit apply to the DDAI or IWA, who must verify the identity of the applicant and assess the application against agreed medical criteria. If applications are rejected there is an appeals process, with cases reviewed independently by an Occupational Therapist or Medical Practitioner.

Last year, I amended the regulations governing the Scheme in order to move the focus of eligibility from diagnosis with particular medical conditions to level of mobility impairment. For example, people with cardiac and respiratory conditions which severely restrict their mobility are eligible, based on their mobility impairment rather than on their particular medical conditions. In addition, people who hold a Primary Medical Certificate or who have been certified blind by the National Council for the Blind are entitled to a permit. Details of eligibility are further fleshed out in the terms and conditions agreed with the DDAI and IWA.

The format of the disabled parking permit conforms to EU requirements. At the same time, the DDAI and IWA have worked to improve the permit to introduce anti-fraud measures. The DDAI and IWA have the right to withdraw permits where they have been abused, and the Gardaí and traffic wardens have powers to inspect and detain permits if they have reason to believe they are forged or are being used illegally.