Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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829. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in replacing the mobility allowance and the motorised transport scheme with new schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34904/19]

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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1169. To ask the Minister for Health the progress regarding the introduction of a scheme to replace the previous mobility transport allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36049/19]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1335. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the transport support scheme. [36711/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 1169 and 1335 together.

The Deputies 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. We 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 Support Payment 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.

The Deputies may wish to note that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring T.D., recently announced CLÁR funding of €890,632 to 20 voluntary community organisations. This funding will support the purchase and/or fit out of vehicles to provide transport for people in rural areas with mobility issues. It will support voluntary organisations that provide:

- Transport for people with significant mobility issues, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles, to day-care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services; or

- Transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme.

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.