Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My officials have been in contact with the individual in question many times, through written and telephone correspondence.

They have advised the individual that the Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose. The Government is considering proposals to replace the DDS.

They have also advised the individual that the Department of Finance has oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme only. I do not have responsibility for disability policy. It will be a matter for Government to decide on any new scheme to replace the DDS.

The final report of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the DDS, endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS.

The Working Group 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.

Department of Finance officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group's 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. Four meetings of the group have been held, in July, November, December 2023; and March 2024.

The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group Report endorsed. The note was considered at the March 2024 meeting.

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

It also important to note that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.