585. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed funding envelope for the vehicle adaptation scheme (VAS) will be an additional fund under the budgetary process, distinct from the funding allocated for disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; the proposed maximum grant under VAS; whether motor tax, fuel grant and toll exemptions will be included for VAS recipients; whether supports for people with vision impairment will be included; the proposed consultation process; and the timeline for same. [63714/26]

As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that the Department of Transport’s new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) is being developed as a standalone scheme. As such, my Department will be seeking funding that is distinct from the funding allocated for the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme, which remains under the remit of the Department of Finance.

The VAS is intended to provide financial assistance towards the cost of adapting vehicles. In developing the Scheme, the Department's priority is to ensure that the supports provided are fit for purpose and delivered in a manner that is equitable, effective, efficient, proportionate and responsive to the needs of those who require assistance. As such, the fuel grant and motor tax and toll exemptions associated with the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme will not extend to the VAS.

In line with the social model of disability, the VAS will be based on an individual's needs rather than their specific impairment or condition. For example, eligibility will be determined by the need for a vehicle adaptation, not by whether a person has a vision impairment.

It should be noted that a number of important aspects of the Scheme, including the level of financial support available and 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 administration and operation of the Scheme. The public consultation will launch in the coming weeks and will be open for 6 weeks, after which all submissions will be carefully reviewed.