Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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252. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Ireland is not taking part in an European Commission's pilot project proposal for an EU wide disability card while 12 other European countries are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42989/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As part of the actions for 2010-2015 of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, the European Commission is examining the implications of a mutual recognition of disability cards and related entitlements.

Based on the findings of a study on 'Disability Benefits and Entitlements in European Countries' of the European Network of European Experts in Disability and a study conducted by the European Disability Forum, the Commission has been promoting an exchange of information between Member States and within the High-Level Group on Disability, most recently on 24 and 25 April 2013.

The development of a mutually recognised EU disability card is one of the actions put forward by the Commission in its EU Citizenship report 2013. The EU-model disability card scheme could be based on the following principles: a common model for all participating countries; reciprocity; mutual recognition; active engagement of the national issuing organisations and self-sustainability. The scope of the card is likely to be in the areas of culture, leisure, sport, transport and tourism, where benefits can be granted upon the presentation of the card.

The level of interest of the EU Member States has been sufficient for the Commission to initiate a project working group where representatives of interested Member States and civil society will deal with practical details of issuing and managing a multinational card. Ireland is seeking clarification on the scope and Terms of Reference of this project working group and possible membership will be considered on that basis. The next meeting of the High-Level Group on Disability will be held on 23 and 24 October 2013.