Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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666. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 868 of 28 April 2021, the status of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57478/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware of the background to the closure of the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grants in 2013 and of the supports available through the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme which comes within the remit of the Department of Finance and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners.

At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategyis being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.

Under theStrategy, the Department of Transport, has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.

Work is continuing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities. I intend to revert to Government with proposals in due course. Recent developments which will impact on the policy options include the following:

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport in providing accessible public transport nationallyand that Department's public consultation, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;

- The Department of Social Protection Cost of Disability Study which will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs;

- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”; and

- The review of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme by the Department of Finance.