Written answer
Care Services
603. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports available to a carer who needs to purchase a car for the purpose of transporting the individual they care for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29162/24]
Comment on this
The National Carer’s Strategy encompasses objectives related to the accessibility and affordability of different modes of transport for carers and those for whom they provide care. This strategy falls to the remit of the Minister of Health, and queries related to specific supports for carers in this context should be directed to that department.
Addressing the specific context of disability and within the remit of my own Department, we know that transport is a key factor in ensuring independence and facilitating full participation in the community. Reliable transport is something we all depend upon to socialise, to access arts and culture, to participate fully in work and education and to look after our health. My Department is committed to realising these supports, and ensuring people with disabilities are supported to live full, autonomous lives, in line with our commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The UNCRPD articulates a right to reliable transport and mobility supports under Article 9, stipulating that State Parties take appropriate measures to ensure that disabled people have access, on an equal basis to others, to transportation. This imperative is one we are taking seriously and tackling with ambition as we work to develop the next National Disability Strategy.
In the disability context, the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme constitutes a specific avenue of support which may be of assistance depending on a person's specific circumstances, providing tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of specially constructed or adapted vehicles by drivers and passengers with a disability. This Scheme falls to the remit of the Minister of Finance, whose department will be best placed to provide further detail.