Mobility Allowance Decision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Questions (173)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

173. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation of the need to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts; the date on which he will revise the mobility allowance to render it compliant, in view of the fact that those over 66 cannot currently access this allowance; when will they be able to access this mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department also notes that the Ombudsman, in a footnote to her recommendation, expresses no view as to the terms of the revision of the mobility allowance other than the revised scheme should be compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department accepts that the mobility allowance cannot continue to operate on the current basis. The Department has pointed out to the Ombudsman that there are a range of potential policy options that need to be considered. Final policy decisions in this regard have yet to be taken.