Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue has labelled the government a disgrace for not introducing a replacement for the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant.
It has been six years since the grant was removed by the then Fine Gael/Labour government. Donegal McConalogue said the government’s failure to reinstate the grant is a sign of abandonment of people with disabilities.
Deputy McConalogue said “This situation is nothing short of a disgrace. The government were quick to close the old supports under the premise of a new scheme being introduced shortly thereafter yet here we are, 6 years later and successive Fine Gael governments have failed to address this issue.
“Those with disabilities have been completely abandoned by the high handed approach to this matter by successive Ministers.
“Their situation is further compounded by the fact the Minister continues to point to the Disabled Drivers & Passengers scheme as a viable alternative and workable support for those with mobility issues. The reality is starkly different, and the Minister is fully aware that the Ombudsman has raised serious concerns about the equity of the scheme.”
Deputy McConalogue is calling on the government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
He said: “People with serious disabilities are being told they do not qualify for the scheme due to stricter criteria. Furthermore, the Minister for Finance has confirmed that he has no intention of changing the criteria for this scheme despite this red flag being raised with him by the Ombudsman.
“The whole situation points to the reality of a government who are not willing to address this serious matter on the behalf of some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“The Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance must come together and urgently address these issues and I will be continuing to pursue this matter with them,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.
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