3081. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any engagement has taken place between her Department, the Department of Finance and disability advocacy organisations regarding the extension of eligibility for transport-related supports to persons who are legally blind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63239/26]

Following on from the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and the publication of the First Programme Plan of Actions 2025-2026, government has been focused on its delivery.

In keeping with the Strategy’s whole-of-government framework, several government Departments and public bodies are responsible for delivering on a range of commitments as befits their remits across the Strategy’s five pillars. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is responsible for co-ordinating implementation of the Strategy and is, therefore, involved in ongoing engagement with colleagues across government in that capacity.

Pillar Five of the Strategy focuses on Transport and Mobility and colleagues in the Department of Transport are leading on the delivery of commitments and priority actions under this Pillar. Given the pivotal role played by transport in the social and economic inclusion of disabled people, expanding the availability of accessible public transport systems and infrastructure is a key focus of this Pillar. In addition, Pillar Five contains an equally significant commitment to the provision of enhanced personal mobility options for disabled people who may require private transport options.

To date, in fulfilment of this commitment, the Department of Finance is continuing to review the Disabled Driver and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport. The Department of Finance and the Department of Transport have been jointly engaging with stakeholders on current developments in this regard. These stakeholders include those with lived experience, organisations representing disabled people and organisations involved in the adapting of vehicles. The Department of Transport is also currently preparing a Memorandum for Government to agree the principles and parameters of a new Vehicle Adaptation scheme. Subject to Government approval, it is anticipated that the Scheme will open to applicants in 2027.