Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1067. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will seek an earlier implementation of the new EU disability card, to ensure those unable to access a blue disability parking badge because they are mobile can access one and acknowledge their disability, especially those with autism who are a flight risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40221/26]
View answer1068. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the implementation of the new EU disability card; the status of implementing this card; the person or body that is leading this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40222/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1067 and 1068 together.
The European Disability Card and European Parking Card Directive was published in November 2024. Member States have until 5 June 2027 to transpose the Directive into national law and until 5 June 2028 to introduce the Cards. It is my intention that Ireland transpose and implement the Directive within these deadlines.
The European Disability Card is an important EU initiative which will make travel easier for disabled Irish citizens by removing barriers to travel across all Member States.
This standardised card will ensure that when a disabled Irish person travels to another EU Member State for a short stay, and uses transport or avails of culture, arts, leisure or sport services, they will be able to easily access any special conditions or preferential treatment available to a disabled citizen of that country. This could include, for example, reduced entry fees when visiting a museum or priority entry or access to dedicated seating areas when attending a sporting event or concert.
My Department is coordinating the transposition of the Directive. As the Directive is broad in its scope, covering areas such as transport, arts, and culture, officials are engaging with all relevant departments as well as Disabled Persons' Organisations and will continue to do so throughout the transposition process.
Officials are also engaging on an ongoing basis with the European Commission in relation to the Delegated Acts which will support transposition and implementation of the Directive, which are to be published by the Commission in the coming months.
It should be noted that the Directive establishes two separate Cards; a European Disability Card and an enhanced European Parking Card. While the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is leading on the transposition of the Directive, policy responsibility for the enhanced European Parking Card remains with the Department of Transport. The European Parking Card will ensure that Irish citizens who are holders of the Card will be able to use accessible parking spaces both domestically and when travelling to other Member States.
