Written answer
Tax Reliefs
Government will introduce the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme in early 2027 while reviewing the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme based on its operation.
391. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to review the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax relief scheme and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64775/26]
Comment on this
432. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on any planned changes to the primary medical cert for disabled passengers and drivers system; to give a guarantee that changes will not effect peoples ability to obtain disability adapted vehicles and change them when necessary, that the rebate of VAT on the fuel used in such vehicles will not be reduced or removed. [65890/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 432 together.
My Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose. 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.
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.
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.