Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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176.To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider expanding the criteria for the primary health care certificate to include persons with a single upper body amputation; if there are plans to update the criteria more broadly to reflect modern living and working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/24]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.

However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.

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

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. One of these issues which is being examined is how the DDS can be replaced. 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 NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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177.To ask the Minister for Finance if the Government will amend the rules to primary medical certificates to allow blind people to qualify. [24822/24]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.

However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.

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

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. One of these issues which is being examined is how the DDS can be replaced. 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 NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice.