New European Disability Card will act as proof of disability across EU

The card will act as a proof of disability status across all EU countries and will grant cardholders access to special conditions when using public transport, visiting cultural attractions and more.

It can ensure free entry or discounted fees, priority access, personal assistance and mobility aids to the cardholder.

The cards will be issued by national authorities with individual member states responsible for determining eligibility criteria and will be offered in both physical and digital formats.

It has been introduced in order to help facilitate equal access to free movement across the EU and as already been piloted in eight countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania, and Slovenia.

An improved version of the EU parking card with a common format will also replace the current card, which is not always recognised due to present differences in formats across member states.

It can ensure access to an extended parking space, a reserved parking space or reduced parking fees.

Both cards will be issued or renewed free of charge, with the parking card requiring a small fee to cover administrative costs in some cases.

"As it currently stands, an Irish person with a disability who travels to Spain is not guaranteed access to priority parking, reserved seating, discounted travel or any of the other supports their Spanish counterpart is entitled to,” said Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh for Midlands-North West, following the passing of the EDC this week.

She said this leads to “unnecessary and unfair stress to people with disabilities who travel in Europe” and the new card will help ensure “true freedom of movement for all, not just for some”.

“In practice, this means that holders of the Card will be guaranteed access to a variety of benefits like public transport passes, free tickets to cultural venues and discounts for gyms and swimming pools - no matter where they go.”

Ms Walsh called on the Government to sign up to the EDC “as a matter of urgency” and begin its rollout in the coming months.