Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

On the Deputy's first question, I have a clear expectation that a solution will be found before 27 June. We will listen carefully to everyone in the sector to ensure we arrive at a solution that meets the requirements of the sector.

Prior to the Government decision, we were engaged primarily in seeking a solution which would leave the current allowances as they were. I did not have a decision in mind on 6 February and we were considering a range of options. Since moving to the Department of Health, I and my officials have been giving this matter considerable thought. The issue has been in the Department since 2009 and we are now progressing on the basis of a full consultation process with all of the people involved. I assure the joint committee that we will take on board whatever recommendations or advice is provided by the committee or sector. We are anxious to ensure we meet the needs of people in dealing with the issues members have outlined.

I referred to the membership of the committee. It is led by an eminent individual who has recently retired from the Civil Service and has a good track record in dealing with these issues. We have been in touch with all of the major groups under the auspices of the Disability Federation of Ireland. I am pleased that the Department, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Wheelchair Association are represented on the group, which also includes an individual with significant local authority experience. The group has a representative from Pobal and the National Disability Authority, respectively, as well as a person employed by the Disability Federation of Ireland in a professional role and representatives of the Citizens Information Board and Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Environment, Community and Local and Government, Finance and Social Protection. The Minister and I recently made a request that a senior figure in the Disability Federation of Ireland join the group. We will deal with the project as quickly as possible, in a timely manner and take whatever legal advice is necessary to deal with the challenging issues we face.