Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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584. To ask the Minister for Health when it is proposed to take action to meet the needs of persons who previously would have benefited from the mobility allowance, but now find that this allowance is no longer available to new applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20326/15]

Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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590. To ask the Minister for Health the mechanisms being put in place to cater for persons who formerly received the mobility allowance and for those who currently cannot avail of it; the plans that exist to introduce a new regime or when is it envisaged that such a regime will be put in place, as stipulated in December 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20931/15]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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708. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made to date on finalising a replacement scheme for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; the reasons the new scheme has yet to be announced; when the new scheme is expected to be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20508/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 584, 590 and 708 together.

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 transport support 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 cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.

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. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme for 2015. On foot of a Government decision, 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 the scheme closed, on the basis that this would prevent hardship and, on an interim basis, alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.