553. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport to clarify if a similar scheme to the disabled parking scheme is being developed or has been developed for carers, parents and guardians of persons and children that have a permanent condition or disability that does not severely restrict their ability to walk but manifests in other ways. [63191/26]

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department has no plans to introduce a new parking scheme for those without severely restricted mobility. Issuing a large number of extra permits via a new scheme may compromise the availability of suitable parking spaces for individuals with severely restricted mobility, for whom accessible parking is essential.

The Deputy may note, however, that the Department's officials are currently undertaking a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, including the eligibility criteria for a parking permit.