John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have two other specific questions covering two different areas. A lot of evidence has been given about the barriers which have been put in place for people with disabilities in terms of entering or re-entering the workforce. One has been touched on. There has been some welcome progress in terms of people being able to keep the free travel pass for five years. I do not think the scheme goes far enough, even though I acknowledge it exceeds the recommendation of three years.

Another issue is medical cards. I note the response that the Minister is working on the issue and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is currently working with the HSE on the operational aspects to enable implementation of the recommendation. What is the current status of the project? This has been going on for quite a while. It was suggested at a previous committee meeting that specific legislation is required to allow changes to be made.