572. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when he will reinstate the motorised transport grant; if he will be allocating a budget for the same grant; if he will look into the situation of a person (detail supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/14]

In light of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close the grant last year. The position therefore, is that the Motorised Transport Grant remains closed. The Government's has decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new travel support payment and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. Work in this regard is under way at present.