James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I wish to mention Deputy Ó Caoláin as well. In fairness, there was a cross-party committee working on that matter. Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour were all represented on it. I acknowledge that Deputy Ó Caoláin was particularly associated with that committee.

I cannot understand the comment on redundancy, however. How one can be refused before one has applied leaves me somewhat foxed, but I will allow Mr. O'Brien to address the redundancy issue. The redundancy programme we are now putting in place is one where we will decide where we need staff and where we can afford to let staff leave. It is not an automatic entitlement, nor should it be. It is a question of rationalising the workforce within our health services in a way that reflects the needs of the service. That is only right and proper.

There is no disagreement between myself and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on the Fair Deal and stay at home issues. As we look at providing greater community services in future, we need to address the issue of whether long-term care requires a contribution from the individual who is being provided with the care service. I will allow the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to address that matter in a more comprehensive fashion. She can also address the mobility allowance issue, which was raised by Deputy Maloney. We have had constructive meetings with the people concerned. I believe that not alone will we sort out this particular problem, but we will also address a much greater problem - and a greater issue for them - which is about people with disabilities being able to access transport more generally.