Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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368. To ask the Minister for Finance the consideration given to introducing an amendment to the primary medical certificate eligibility criteria to ensure people of various disabilities currently excluded from applying for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme can do so into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39551/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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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 my Department has oversight of the DDS only and does not have responsibility for disability policy.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. 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.

In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport. The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.