Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Finance for the up-to-date position on a replacement scheme for the disabled driver's scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5070/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the previous Government, the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy or NDIS Transport Working Group recommended that the Disabled Driver Scheme or 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 has been submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach, for its consideration.

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.