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

1003. To ask the Minister for Health when the Health (Transport Support) Bill 2017 will be progressed; the estimated cost of reinstating the mobility allowance; his plans to assist those with disabilities and their transport needs; the collaboration he is undertaking with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/17]

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 Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.

The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. The Deputy might wish to note that 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 the scheme closed, at an annual cost of approximately €10 million.

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 commitment to this area is evident in the Programme for a Partnership Government which acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme.

I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. 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 greatest needs; and

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

The next step is to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.

My colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has responsibility for transport policy for people with a disability. I understand that "Transport Access for All", the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport's ( DTTAS's) Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005, guides policy in relation to public transport services for persons with disabilities. DTTAS has also committed to a number of actions under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.

I have been informed that accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. New systems, such as the Luas, are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, along with 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet. This will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.

With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme, which is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of DTTAS, to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to improve transport accessibility across the country. Funding of €3 million has been allocated to the NTA in 2017 for this Programme and additional funding for transport investment is being sought in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan. The bulk of the funding under the Programme has been provided for accessibility upgrade works at rail stations and to make bus stops and bus stations accessible to enable wheelchair users to travel on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann buses.

The NTA receives funding under the programme for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. As of June this year, 6% or 1,291 of the taxi fleet is wheelchair accessible, with a target of 10% set for 2020. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme, which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the Scheme, an assistant can accompany persons requiring help to use public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the Dart.