Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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149. To ask the Minister for Health when the alternative payment to the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance will be put into place. [17032/15]

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 is aware of the needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new travel subsidy scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme for 2015.

The Department of Health is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. Although both schemes are closed, monthly payments of up to €208.50 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 was closed, in order to prevent hardship and alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.