Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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93. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 2 October 2024, his recommendations for people currently being disadvantaged by the disabled drivers and passengers scheme due to the lack of a blood link; and for an update to the summary report promised on 12 September 2024 to guide Government discussions on a replacement scheme. [42934/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, 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 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.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress NDIS proposals for needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, have generated a report that is currently being finalised.

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.