Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
687. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to confirm whether the establishment of a specific scheme to replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport schemes (discontinued in 2013) is included within the plan of action for transport, as per the national disability strategy; and, if so, to provide a timeline for same. [53441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport.
The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013 to new applicants, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts. In 2013, the Government decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the allowance at the time that the Scheme closed.
Following a comprehensive public consultation process, the Department published the National Disability Strategy, which is a framework for collaborative whole-of-government action on disability policy, including transport and mobility.
The Strategy builds on work done under Action 104 of the previous National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Under Action 104, a Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to formulate proposals on how transport supports could be better coordinated across the state. The Final Report of the Group was published and is publicly available on the Department’s website.
The Department of the Taoiseach convened a Senior Officials Group to discuss how the proposals of the Transport Working Group final report can be progressed. Officials in the department are engaging and actively contributing to discussions on this matter, and outcomes will form a key part of ongoing work for the development of transport-focused actions under the next National Disability Strategy.
I am aware that the Department of Transport and its Agencies are also increasing access to public transport services by spearheading several initiatives focused on reducing the cost of public transport services. Collectively, these measures will benefit all members of society, including those with hidden disabilities.
