asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made in the introduction of a scheme to assist paraplegics to finance the adaptation of their motor cars for their incapacity.

Existing arrangements for the provision of wheelchairs for the disabled have in practice been extended to allow of a subsidy towards the provision of a mechanically propelled wheelchair where such would enable the disabled person to earn a living. If the cost to the health authority of the adaptation of a motorcar for use by a disabled person did not exceed the normal health authority grant towards a mechanically propelled wheelchair, I would have no objection to the money being diverted to the adaptation of a car. I propose to issue instructions for the guidance of health authorities on the basis on which these facilities might be provided and the extent of financial assistance which would be appropriate.

I must add that a necessary condition for the making of a contribution towards the supply of mechanically propelled transport is that the health authority are satisfied as to the person's mental and physical capacity to drive the vehicle and that he is qualified to hold a driver's licence.

They do not raise enough money for home assistance let alone that sort of thing.

I could not agree with the observations of Deputy Corish because over a number of years the Department of Health has sanctioned proposals to make assistance available of from £80 to £280 towards the cost of motorised wheelchairs for disabled persons. This is looked on as a good investment.

It is not availed of by local authorities.

Taking the country as a whole, quite an amount of money has been spent in this way.