Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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213. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the proposed new alternative scheme to the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; if he will outline if representative bodies have been involved in consultations relating to the new scheme to replace this grant; if he will provide a timeframe for the introduction of a new scheme; if the new proposal will be in place by 1 July 2013; if current holders have to reapply or if their existing certificates will be accepted in the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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A Project Group, which is independently chaired, has been established to seek an alternative method to provide for the priority transport needs of people in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts. In advance of the establishment of the Project Group, Department of Health officials met with representatives of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association at my request. The work of the Project Group is being supported by the National Disability Authority and includes representatives from the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Disability Federation of Ireland, an independent service user and advocate for people with disabilities and a retired County Council Manager with relevant experience. Both Minister Reilly and myself have instructed the Project Group to seek solutions across the whole of Government, so that alongside representatives from the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, membership also includes representatives from Pobal and from the Departments of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Environment, Community and Local Government, Social Protection and Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.

The work of the Project Group includes a public consultation process, which is currently underway. Any views held by individuals or organisations on this matter can be made known to the Project Group, through this process. The Group who will report to Government next month, has met four times, with the next meeting scheduled for 29th April. The results of the review will be presented to the Government before any final decisions are made on future arrangements. At this stage, I am not in a position to pre-empt the outcome of the review or the decision of Government.