495. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the new vehicle adaptation scheme recently announced; and to provide details on the way in which the scheme will be administered [62604/26]

As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to confirm that the Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) to provide financial assistance towards the cost of adapting vehicles for those who need assistance to enter, exit or control a vehicle.

Over the past twelve months, the Department has made significant progress towards the implementation of the VAS. In line with the proposals set out by the Transport Working Group of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Senior Officials Group on Disability, as well as further engagement and consultation, the core principles and parameters of the Scheme have been established. This, in turn, has enabled the Department to develop a high-level framework for its operation.

A number of important aspects of the Scheme, including elements of its administration, have yet to be finalised. To inform these decisions, the Department intends to launch a public consultation to seek the views of interested parties and potential beneficiaries on the design and operation of the Scheme.

Subject to further consultation and the completion of the necessary preparatory work, it is possible that the VAS will open for applications in Q1 2027.