Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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573. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the health (transport support) Bill. [35438/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. 

My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum  to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session.  Following  consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time.  A new Transport Support Payment Scheme remains a priority and we intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the  discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between ourselves, in due course.

It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers   scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance.  Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges.  Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.

There are improvements  in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out  by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services.  Under the National   Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and  Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility  and availability of public transport for people with a disability.