Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made on a replacement scheme for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; the steps taken to date in finalising a new scheme since the old schemes were closed over six years ago; the remaining measures to be undertaken in order to finalise a new scheme as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/19]

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.

On foot of a Government Decision, the Health Service Executive has continued to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme closed, (now 3,790 persons at January 2019), pending the establishment of a new statutory transport support scheme.

With regard to the proposals for a new Health (Transport Support) Bill, the Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Health and I, brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme.  Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at that time.  I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.

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.