Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new mobility vehicle support scheme will open (details supplied); who will qualify especially families applying under PMC criterion 6 and not wheelchair users; if supports will be up-front that is, grant pre-approval given rather than refunds; if pre-approval commitment letters can be issued to allow persons to secure a vehicle without financial risk; and to identify a named contact within his Department who will oversee the process. [49682/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments. Recently, the Department of Transport was tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability.

The VAS will be a needs-based reimbursement scheme, aimed at assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. Support for the capital cost of vehicles, remains a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

My officials have just begun development of the scheme and are in the initial stages of process-mapping. Over the coming months, the Department intends to conduct consultation with stakeholders to develop the principles and parameters of the new scheme. Accordingly, and as primary legislation is required to underpin this Scheme, it is not possible to provide a definite timeline for its introduction.