Departmental Schemes

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Ceisteanna (192)

Peter Roche

Ceist:

192. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the status of the work underway to develop the new needs-based, grant-aided vehicle adaptation scheme intended to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; if the eligibility criteria currently linked to the primary medical certificate are being reviewed as part of this process, particularly for individuals with significant disabilities such as loss of sight or hearing who are excluded under the existing mobility-based tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15533/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

My Department has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. The VAS is not intended to replace the current Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme.

The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. The intention is that scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a clinically assessed need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter, exit a vehicle or operate a vehicle. Eligibility will be based on a clinical assessment and a primary medical certificate will not be required for the VAS.

Department of Transport officials are consulting with key stakeholders to develop the principles and parameters of the new scheme. As primary legislation may be required to underpin the scheme, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for its introduction.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 149.