Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Everyone present and many members of the public believe this issue has been handled poorly, not only from a public relations perspective but also from the perspective of disseminating information on the decision. No one has emerged well from the decision to abolish overnight the mobility allowance and mobilised transport grant without explanation. Most members were left confused by the decision. While I accept the issue has been left under review, the decision was taken quickly.

When Dr. McLoughlin states that if an easy solution were to be found we would have found it by now, does that mean the solution will be either very difficult or difficult to find? If he has a solution he might indicate on what basis it was made. Time is running out. He mentioned the people who are in consultation, many of whom will have different views. If there was a simple solution, it would have been found. What format was used? Obviously €10.6 million is not enough because it has been ruled that more people should qualify.

The HSE is spending an absolute fortune on taxis throughout the country and there must be a proper review of that practice. I am informed HSE west sends taxis to people's home which come back if the people concerned are not ready, adding the cost to the bill. That is not the fault of the taxi drivers and may not be the fault of the person being collected. The problem is the meter is still running. This service cost €24 million last year. There is much to review but this particular €10.6 million seems to be a small amount for the service provided. Rather than taking it away, it should be ring-fenced. Would Dr. McLoughlin be looking for more than that amount for a new scheme or is that figure maximised? Does he have the leeway to say that if it is done properly, it might cost €15 million?