The Irish Government has approved a set of new proposals for a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme, or VAS, to improve access to modified and adapted cars for disabled drivers and those with mobility issues. The move comes in the wake of a 2023 report by the Government's own Transport Working Group which described the previous regime for mobility-adapted cars as 'not fit for purpose.'
Will this new system improve things?
Hopefully so. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said: "I am delighted that the Government has approved plans to advance the development of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme. Access to personal transport can be transformative for people with additional mobility needs, enabling greater independence, social inclusion and participation in everyday life. Today's decision marks an important step towards establishing a modern, fair and sustainable scheme that will support those who require vehicle adaptations to help meet their mobility needs.”
How does the VAS work?
That's still to be precisely announced, but the VAS is designed not for those drivers who need a specific specialist converted vehicle, but rather for people with issues that need minor adaptations to their vehicles. It is not, notes the Government, a support towards the capital cost of purchasing a vehicle.
Will this fix the problems with the previous scheme?
In a word, no. The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, which is run by the Department of Finance, and not the Department of Transport, remains in place and is badly in need of reform. What the VAS should do is create an easier path to assistance for those with issues of mobility, rather than significant injuries such as the loss of a limb, which was seen as a key criteria under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.
According to the Department of Transport: "The VAS will be open to drivers and passengers with a need for an adaptation(s) to enable them to enter, exit or operate the vehicle, rather than a medical identification of a condition or disability.”
What happens next?
First off, we'll have to see how the various groups that represent disabled and mobility impaired people respond, but Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports Seán Canney said: "Since details of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme were first announced, the proposal has been broadly welcomed by stakeholders and representative groups. There is clear recognition of the positive impact that targeted support for vehicle adaptations can have for people. Approval of these proposals today represents a significant milestone in the development of the Scheme and will enable the Department of Transport to progress the detailed implementation work required for its delivery.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: "While significant progress continues to be made in expanding and improving rural public transport services, we recognise that personal transport remains indispensable for many people. The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme has the potential to remove barriers to mobility and improve quality of life for individuals and families across the country.”