Written answers

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Department of Health

Services for People with Disabilities

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

445. To ask the Minister for Health when the new legislation to provide for transport supports for persons with disabilities will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42330/17]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian 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. 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 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 and the Programme for a Partnership Government 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.