Disability Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023

Thursday, 13 July 2023

Questions (257)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

257. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the reason persons suffering from cancer are not eligible for a blue disability badge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35167/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind. Eligibility for the permit is not based on specific illnesses or conditions, but rather on the extent to which such an illness or condition directly affects the applicant's ability to walk.

A cancer diagnosis neither entitles a patient to nor excludes them from holding a Disabled Parking Permit. An individual may be eligible where a doctor deems their mobility to have been severely affected by the illness, and applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.