244. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if the current disabled drivers and passengers scheme will be replaced with vehicle adaption scheme; if under this new scheme successful participants will be able to avail of the VRT and VAT relief on the purchase of a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49698/26]

The Department of Transport is developing the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) as a standalone scheme, to provide support with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle for people with disabilities .

The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme. The Department’s priority in introducing the VAS is to provide supports for drivers and passengers to enable them to get into and out of a vehicle or control a vehicle, through adaptations which are fit for purpose and which are proportionate and appropriate to needs.

The VAS is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (DDS) and will not provide support for the capital cost of vehicles. Responsibility for the future of the DDS, which provides such supports, remains a function of the Department of Finance.