Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
275. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has engaged with the Minister for Finance during this Dáil term regarding the primary medical certificate scheme; if so, the substance of such engagements; if she has raised concerns with the HSE regarding tight application of guidelines; if she has sought a review of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10729/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are supported to live independent lives of their choosing on an equal basis with all others, including by ensuring that they have access to the personal mobility options they need. This has been reiterated in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.
The Strategy contains two directly relevant priority actions; the development of a new vehicle adaptation scheme, led by the Department of Transport, and a commitment to review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), led by the Department of Finance.
In the course of finalising this Strategy, and the commitments contained in it, I engaged with my Government colleagues including the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Transport. I share concerns that the current DDS, and the operation of the Primary Medical Certificate process, is no longer fit for purpose and I support the work ongoing in both Departments to ensure that disabled people have access to a needs-based, grant-led system which can provide them with the vehicle adaptation supports they need.
