810. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he intends to amend the regulations governing the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme to provide eligibility for persons who are legally blind or severely visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63235/26]

811. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of applications for a primary medical certificate that were refused on the grounds that the applicant's disability related solely or primarily to visual impairment in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63234/26]

812. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the eligibility criteria governing the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme adequately reflect the transport needs of persons who, due to blindness or severe visual impairment, are unable to drive and are dependent on others for transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63233/26]

813. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will outline the rationale for the continued exclusion of persons who are legally blind or severely visually impaired from eligibility for a primary medical certificate under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63231/26]

814. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department has undertaken any review of the eligibility criteria for the primary medical certificate in the past five years; if consideration has been given to the inclusion of persons with severe visual impairments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63232/26]

834. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has examined the impact of the primary medical certificate eligibility criteria on persons who are legally blind or severely visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63237/26]

835. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he considers it equitable that persons who are unable to drive due to severe visual impairment remain ineligible for supports available under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme solely due to the fact they do not meet the current mobility-based criteria for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63238/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 834 and 835 together.

My Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose. Following extensive review of the DDS, the Government has now agreed to commence from early 2027 the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The VAS will provide direct financial assistance to all individuals with qualifying vehicle adaptation needs to meet the costs of those adaptations. The VAS will improve individuals’ functional mobility that in turn can contribute to better social and economic opportunities.

It is important to recognise that broader Government commitments to transport solutions for those with a disability are essential and are distinct from meeting vehicle adaption needs. Those with visual impairments are likely to have transport needs but are unlikely to have vehicle adaption needs, i.e. adaptations needed to safely transport them within a vehicle.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) remains with the Department of Finance and will be kept under review. Learning from the commencement and initial operation of the VAS will further inform reform options for the DDS.