Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

The Deputy has made some important points. We want to arrive at a sustainable and viable solution and if that requires legislation, we will bring appropriate advice to the Government via the Minister for Health. I want to ensure everybody understands the Department and the Ministers were very deeply concerned about this issue. Since 2009 this matter has been considered very seriously within the Department. The file would indicate that governments since 2009 were aware of the issues. I suspect the reason people were very slow to take decisions was that at the end of the day we are down to the 4,700 people and 300 people who benefit from the grants. The Government has wisely decided to put a stay on any change to the allowance for four months to consider solutions. We need to think outside the box. I find today's contributions very helpful and constructive. We are very anxious to hear from people who may have solutions, including people, like Deputy Mulherin, who would have an understanding of many of the legal issues. It is possible that we have missed out on some advice in the past. We want to try to get a solution that works for the people we want to serve - the clients who have a disability. We are very concerned to allay any fears or concerns they have that they might be left in isolation. I take this opportunity to assure them that they are right at the heart of everything we are trying to do and I would be very happy to engage with them to assure them on that.