Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the final report of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group's (TWG) review of mobility and transport supports which included the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS, as it is no longer fit-for-purpose on any and all aspects. The proposals note this was a clear deliverable for the near future.

The NDIS TWG was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).

Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. Three meetings have been held, in July, November and December. Department of Taoiseach officials are considering ways forward based on meeting inputs to date.

In the above context, any further changes to the existing DDS, I believe would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.