Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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65. To ask the Minister for Health when the replacement scheme for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant will be announced in view of the fact that a replacement has been three-plus years in the making and that a commitment was given for this replacement in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4265/17]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the review being carried out to replace the motorised transport grant; when policy proposals will be presented to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4257/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 117 together.

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. 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 Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. In this regard, 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.

The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. Detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions are being progressed by my Department. I am pleased to report that work on policy proposals in relation to all matters, are at an advanced stage of development. Once the Government approves the draft Heads of Bill for this new Scheme, they will then be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny.

The Deputies may be interested to note that people who previously benefitted from the now-closed Motorised Transport Grant, may, if they satisfy the criteria under that scheme, be eligible for tax relief under the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme. This scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Details of the scheme can be found on www.revenue.ie.