Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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115. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason registered blind persons are omitted from availing of the primary care certificate; his plans to include blind persons in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26106/24]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.

The vehicle must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the Primary Certificate (PMC) holder. A vehicle that has not been adapted for use by the PMC holder, including vehicles with automatic transmission on the base model unless further adapted, do not qualify for DDS provisions.

The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as defined, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Principal Medical Officer (PMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA).

To qualify for a PMC an applicant must satisfy at least one of six medical criteria that is set out in legislation. Only an applicant deemed to meet at least one of these criteria by the HSE PMO or the DDMBA will obtain a Primary or Board Medical Certificate.

The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the 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.