Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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496. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding adding autism as a qualifying factor for the disabled parking pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48700/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Disabled Parking Permit (also known as European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland with a permanent disability, medical condition, severe mobility difficulties and to people who are registered blind.  The medical criteria for issue of the permit are strict and only persons whose mobility is severely and permanently restricted qualify.

These criteria were revised and clarified in my Department’s Review of the Disabled Parking Scheme in 2010. The review recommended revising the eligibility criteria for the disabled parking permit to focus on limitations on mobility rather than on diagnosis of particular medical conditions or illness. This was in line with the original intention of the scheme.

The disabled parking scheme is operated on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), which are the two bodies empowered to issue disabled parking permits.  As Minister, I have responsibility for the regulations under which the scheme operates.

I have no plans to review eligibility criteria at this time.  However, should the key stakeholders, in particular the DDAI and/or the IWA, present a case for a further review of the scheme - or indeed specific aspects of it, I would be willing to give consideration to it.