Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
197. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if both a timeline and more information can be provided for the new transport scheme for disabled people, which he mentioned in Dáil Éireann on 22 June 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33834/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has convened a Senior Officials Group to discuss progression of the proposals of the NDIS TWG final report. A first meeting was held on 3rd July 2023. My officials will engage and actively contribute to discussions. However, it will be a matter for the SOG and for Government to determine any timelines or next steps as may be decided.
As background, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group (NDIS TWG), comprising members from a range of Departments, agencies and Disabled Persons Organisations, was tasked under Action 104 to review all Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability, including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS). The NDIS TWG final report was published on 24th February 2023 and welcomed the proposal put forward by my Department that the DDS should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-aided vehicular adaptation scheme, i.e. to provide direct financial assistance to individuals needing vehicle adaptations according to their needs, to meet their personal transport requirements and ultimately to facilitate independence and participation in society.
The NDIS TWG final report also noted both the outdated approach of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme and the fact that the scheme needed to be addressed as a matter of priority. The Working Group agreed that proposals in this regard was a clear deliverable on which work could begin in the relatively near future.
