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Pringle slams Government inaction on new scheme for drivers with a disability
- Updated: 8th July 2024
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, slammed Government for 12 years of delay in developing a new Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS).
Asking Minister Jack Chambers for an update on the scheme, Deputy Pringle said: “We’re waiting for a new scheme to come into place that actually meets the needs of disabled drivers right across the country.”
The deputy raised the issue with Minister Chambers in the Dáil on Thursday, during Questions to the Minister for Finance.
In his response, Minister Chambers said he and his Department share concerns that the DDS is not fit for purpose and should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptatations. He said the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group recommended the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme.
The Minister said that under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach, officials from relevant departments and agencies are meeting to discuss issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. He said the group is to start its work shortly and is expected to report in the autumn.
Deputy Pringle said: “At least the Department changed around the wording a wee bit in the answer, because that’s the same answer that everybody has gotten for the last number of years in relation to this scheme and what’s happening.
“But in reality, there’s basically nothing happening. What you’re going to do now is set up another group towards the end of summer. The only chance for this Government to actually resolve this issue would be in the budget and the run-up to the budget,” he said.
Deputy Pringle said: “It’s been going on since 2012, 2013, but every Finance Minister has given basically the same answer over that period.”
The deputy said: “Would a new scheme in line with international best practice be taking 12 years to design and put in place? Because I don’t think that’s in line with any best practice anywhere along the way.” He pressed the minister on whether the report would be published in time for the budget and when the scheme would be put in place.
The Minister said he acknowledged this has been going on for too long without an outcome. He said he would pursue a timeline on the work.
