Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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332.To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 14 May 2024, if he will address issues which have arisen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31900/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot comment on matters of rural transport but I can discuss the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Scheme for which my Department has governance and oversight.

The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or 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.

As the Deputy is aware the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy or NDIS Transport Working Group recommended that the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.

The next National Disability Strategy is currently under development, which will be a whole-of-government strategy that will advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Transport has been identified as a strong point of focus and is intended to be a pillar therein.

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 including how the DDS can be replaced.

The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my predecessor's 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. Further consideration is being given to this matter through the establishment of sub-group of the Department of Taoiseach working group. This sub-group met in July 2024 and is expected to report in the Autumn.