Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6^thOctober, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme is administered by the Revenue Commissioners and legislative responsibility rests with my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy a Transport Working Group was established to review mobility and transport supports for persons with disabilities, including the Disabled Drivers Scheme. The final report of the TWG endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS, finding that it is no longer fit-for-purpose.

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. Officials from my Department, the Department of Finance, as well as other colleagues from across government are proactively engaging with the work of this Senior Officials Group 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 of the SOG have been held, in July, November and December 2023 and work remains ongoing.

This work is taking place in the broader context of the development of the next National Disability Strategy, led by my Department in cooperation with colleagues across Government and in partnership with the broader disability stakeholder landscape. This new Strategy will further advance the implementation of the UNCRPD in Ireland, and will be ambitious in advancing the infrastructure necessary to ensure that people with disabilities are supported in living lives of their own choosing. Transport is a key strategic consideration in developing and ensuring the success of this Strategy.