Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has welcomed clarification from the Department of Transport on plans for a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme for people with disabilities.
Deputy Cooney contacted the Departments of Transport and Finance after constituents raised concerns about the proposed scheme and whether it could affect existing supports.
The Department of Transport has confirmed that the new scheme will be separate from the existing Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.
It said the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme is being developed to provide financial assistance to people who require vehicle adaptations but may not qualify for support under the existing scheme.
The existing scheme provides tax reliefs to assist with the purchase and use of adapted vehicles, with eligibility based on six prescribed medical criteria.
The Department said there had been sustained feedback from stakeholders that many people who require vehicle adaptations are unable to access State support under the current arrangements.
Deputy Cooney said the clarification would provide some reassurance to people who had contacted him.
“I have had a number of calls from people with significant disabilities who were very worried that they could be worse off under the proposed new scheme,” he said.
“It is important that there is clarity from the outset and the Department has now confirmed that the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme is being developed as a separate scheme.
“The intention is to support people who need vehicle adaptations but who may not qualify under the existing arrangements.”
Deputy Cooney also sought clarification from the Department on whether people who currently hold a Primary Medical Certificate would continue to receive VAT and VRT relief under the existing scheme.
He said he would continue to seek clarity on the issue.
“The people who contacted me need certainty about the supports available to them,” he said. “It is important that the introduction of a new scheme does not result in people losing supports they currently depend on.”
The Department of Transport said a number of details, including the level of financial support and elements of its administration, have yet to be finalised.
It said a public consultation will be launched on the design and operation of the scheme.
Deputy Cooney encouraged people with disabilities to take part when the consultation opens.
“The people who use these supports are best placed to tell the Department what is needed,” he said. “I would encourage people in Clare who may be affected to make a submission when the consultation is launched.”