Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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649. To ask the Minister for Health to re-instate the motorised transport grant scheme in some capacity; the status of the ongoing work on policy proposals for the drafting of legislation for a new scheme; when he will finalise and approve the proposals; when he will introduce the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12611/16]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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706. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to reintroduce the motorised transportation grant and if so when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13202/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 706 together.

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. Both schemes remain closed.

However the Government also decided that monthly payments will continue 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.

The Government decided that the detailed 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. The proposals seek to ensure that:

- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;

- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;

- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and

- The Scheme is capable of being costed and it is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

I am pleased to inform the Deputies that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme.