Tipperary TD Michael Lowry says that he welcomes government plans to reform a scheme to support disabled drivers. An existing Scheme that assists disabled motorists with the cost of adapting their vehicle may be upgraded as it is deemed to be no longer fit for purpose. While nothing has been confirmed as of now the scheme is expected to be based more on the needs of the driver involved and Finance Minister Jack Chambers, has hinted that the overhaul of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Scheme may be included in the upcoming Budget 2025 on October 1st.
At present, the maximum VRT and VAT relief available is €10,000 for disabled drivers and €16,000 for disabled passengers. Extensively adapted vehicles can avail of €22,000, while wheelchair-accessible adaptations are €48,000 for a disabled driver and €32,000 for a disabled passenger. However, securing the necessary medical certification to avail of this relief has caused endless frustration for many people. Minister Chambers has said that he believes that the existing scheme should be replaced with a ‘needs-based, grant-led’ approach.
