Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

370. To ask the Minister for Health the grants that are available to families for the purchase of adapted vehicles, since the motorised transport grant is closed; the assistance that can be offered to a person (details supplied) in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 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 in February 2013. Both schemes remain closed. There are no grants provided by the Department of Health for the purchase of adapted vehicles.

I am happy to inform the Deputy that work is at an advanced stage in the Department of Health 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 is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

The Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I anticipate that the Heads of Bill will be brought to Government shortly.

The Revenue Commissioners operate the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme which provides tax relief for vehicles purchased for use by people with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The eligibility criteria for the scheme are set out by the Department of Finance, details of which can be found on .