Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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254. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the grant-based scheme his Department is working on to support disabled drivers and passengers which will replace the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54782/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that the Department of Transport has been 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 reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. The intention is that scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a clinically assessed need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter or exit a vehicle or to operate a vehicle. As eligibility will be based on a clinical assessment, a primary medical certificate will not be required for the VAS.

My officials have just begun development of the scheme and while there has been some initial engagement with key stakeholders, over the coming months the Department intends to conduct extensive consultation with stakeholders, including advocacy groups, to develop the principles and parameters of the new scheme. In addition, a public consultation will be launched to seek the views of the public on the development and administration of the new scheme.