AQW 29401/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure

To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why Tourette’s Syndrome is not recognised as a condition that can access a Blue Badge.

Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 8 February 2022

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
8 February 2022
Answer due by
23 February 2022
Answered
14 February 20226 days after tabling
Department
Department for Infrastructure
Priority question
No

Answer

No individual medical condition is recognised as a condition for which a Blue Badge can be awarded, rather it is how that medical condition affects the applicant’s mobility that is taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for a Blue Badge.

Tourette’s Syndrome would be considered to be a “hidden disability”, and could be considered under Section C3 of the Blue Badge application form. This enables a Blue Badge application to be submitted for those people with hidden disabilities, and it takes into consideration those who may be at risk of harming their own health and safety, or that of another person, or are unable to plan and undertake a journey without another person’s assistance.

For such applications, the Department asks the applicant’s GP to complete a mobility questionnaire and confirm that the applicant is unable to be left alone, e.g. needs the physical support of another person or that they are unable to understand common dangers outdoors and may present as a danger to themselves or others.

Official sources