Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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251. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of difficulties in accessing the blue parking badge for people with additional needs who are mobile but cannot walk unaided; if he will review the criteria for this scheme to ensure those who need it can access it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44619/25]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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252. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) was refused the blue parking badge on the grounds that they can walk unaided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44620/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Disabled Parking Permit Scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department of Transport by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Disabled parking permits are available to individuals living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, as well as to those who are registered blind.

My Department understands that everyday life can be challenging for people who are mobile but unable to walk unaided. However, eligibility for the scheme is not based on a fixed list of medical conditions, but by the extent to which an applicant’s ability to walk is affected by their disability or long-term illness. This group is most directly impacted by inaccessible parking spaces, those located too far from their destination, or standard spaces that are too small to allow safe exit from a vehicle using a wheelchair, walking aid or oxygen equipment.

You may wish to note that my Department is currently undertaking a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, with a particular focus on the eligibility criteria used to assess applications.

Neither I nor my Department can intervene in individual applications or appeals related to disabled parking permits.