702. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme (DDS); if his Department intends to maintain the existing vehicle purchase tax reliefs and primary medical certificate criteria through 2027; if he is aware of the public uncertainty and financial anxiety caused to families currently budgeting for or ordering a new vehicle for January 2027; the transitional protections that will be put in place for current certificate holders if any modifications are made to the DDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61277/26]

My Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport. In July the government approved proposals to progress the development of a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS).

The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.

As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.

Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.

This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.