merrion street

The Government is very conscious of the needs of people with a disability who require transport supports from the State. 4,700 people receive a Mobility Allowance and 300 people a year receive a Motorised Transport Grant. The Government is also conscious of the position of the Ombudsman that the schemes are illegal in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

Following detailed consideration of issues surrounding the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant, the Government has today decided that it is no longer possible to allow the two schemes to continue as they presently operate and to devise an alternative scheme for meeting people’s needs.

The decision has been taken after the commencement of a consultation review process with representatives of those people affected. Independently chaired by Ms Sylda Langford, the review group will seek an alternative method for ensuring that the needs of persons affected can be provided for in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts.

It is important to note that the decision is in no way intended to save costs and the funding involved in the two schemes (€10.6 million) remains committed to meeting the transport needs of relevant people.

It is also important to note that despite the fact that today’s decision ends both schemes to new applicants with immediate effect, the payment of the Mobility Allowance to those who are currently in receipt will continue for another four months as we devise an alternative method of meeting people’s needs.