Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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683. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant and mobility allowance which were abolished by the Government in February 2013, to the detriment of over 5,000 recipients across the country; if he will provide a concrete timeframe for the introduction of the replacement scheme; the reason for the prolonged delay in creating a replacement scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the distress being caused to those with a physical disability who, almost two years on, are still in the dark as to a replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1579/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the costs of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. In the meantime, monthly payments have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme closed.

Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer.