Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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317. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will examine the feasibility of introducing a national scheme, similar to the mobility scheme in the United Kingdom, that would allow parents or carers of children with complex medical needs to utilise a payment such as the domiciliary care allowance towards the cost of obtaining a wheelchair-accessible or disability-adapted vehicle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56077/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for this question. Government is committed to delivering on improved outcomes for disabled people in relation to the provision of accessible transport and greater mobility.

We know that for disabled people personal mobility and being able to make seamless journeys in accessible transport and environments are critical to their daily lives and full participation in society. Government also recognises that transportation is key to the economic and social inclusion of disabled people, with the availability of accessible private transportation options being a key enabler of independent living.

Transport and Mobility constitutes one of the core five pillars of the recently launched National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. Priority actions under this pillar include a review of the current Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, which offers various tax reliefs for people who use specially constructed or adapted vehicles. This review is being undertaken by the Department of Finance and in the context of the development of a new vehicle adaptation scheme under development at the Department of Transport.

The Department of Transport is leading on coordination of the commitments and priority actions contained within the Transport and Mobility pillar, in collaboration with other government departments, public bodies and transport operators.