637. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to advise who is responsible within her Department for the implementation of the EU Disability Card, if any organisations are involved in this process; the position regarding this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47790/26]

The European Disability Card and European Parking Card Directive was published in November 2024. Member States have until 5 June 2027 to transpose the Directive into national law and until 5 June 2028 to introduce the Cards. It is my intention that Ireland transpose and implement the Directive within these deadlines.

The Disability Equality Policy Unit within the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is coordinating the transposition of the Directive. As the Directive is broad in its scope, covering areas such as transport, arts, and culture, officials are engaging with all relevant Departments as well as Disabled Persons' Organisations and will continue to do so throughout the transposition process.

Officials are also engaging on an ongoing basis with the European Commission in relation to the Delegated Acts which will support transposition and implementation of the Directive, which are to be published by the Commission in the coming months.

This standardised card will ensure that when a disabled Irish person travels to another EU Member State for a short stay, and uses transport or avails of culture, arts, leisure or sport services, they will be able to easily access any special conditions or preferential treatment available to a disabled citizen of that country. This could include, for example, reduced entry fees when visiting a museum or priority entry or access to dedicated seating areas when attending a sporting event or concert.

The European Disability Card will be complemented by an enhanced European Parking Card, which has also been established by the same Directive. In a similar way to the European Disability Card, this enhanced parking card will have a standard format across all Member States, making it easier for disabled Irish citizens to travel, secure in the knowledge that their card will be recognised in their destination Member State. This Card is within the remit of the Minister for Transport.