Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have raised that point in relation to one of the other fundamental unfairnesses in relation to the report in terms of those on lower incomes not benefitting appropriately from the scheme. The Ombudsman's report has highlighted this and case studies related to that point. We have had a board resign over inaction from the former Minister for Finance, which I would argue was driven from a cost-containment point of view. We need a different approach where we focus on the individual, who has a right to come out of their home to travel to the local shop, butcher or medical appointment and needs access to mobility.

There are two things here. There is a bit of limbo. While the board is there and appeals can be heard, there is a chance there will be reform. People will be sitting at home considering whether they should wait until they find out what the Minister will do and when he is likely to do it. The scheme does not work for them and they are considering whether to even make an appeal, given that a new scheme may be coming through. It is difficult for people. They have waited and waited. There has been no appeals board since 2021. Will the Minister give an indication of when he expects that, after considering the report, decisions will be made and clarity given to individuals with severe and permanent disabilities on the scheme going forward?

I will give an example of a disabled driver and how the scheme operates currently. This individual has a severe, permanent disability and, because of the nature of her disability, she requires vehicle modifications that can only be done in Britain. They cannot be done here. She can avail of the scheme and is not one of those not entitled to it; however, because the modifications have to be carried out in Britain, they are subject to vehicle registration tax, VRT. The benefit one can get from the scheme is €22,000. As the adaptations have to be done in Britain, they cost over €40,000; therefore, this individual still has to pay €20,000 VRT. She cannot do it, even though she is eligible for the scheme. This is not an isolated issue but one that happens quite often. Is the Minister aware of that? Is there anything he can say to this individual, who is entitled to the scheme and has met the most rigorous criteria? As the modifications have to be done in Britain and cannot be done within this State, she is left with a VRT bill above the €20,000 the scheme supports, which means it is not possible for her to pay that bill.