Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the previous occasion we met I wished Mr. Tyndall a happy retirement. I did not think I would be meeting him again. I wish him a happy retirement again. I thank him for the work he has done on bringing this forward as it is very important. It is an issue the committee has discussed on a number of occasions. The two grants that were suspended or finished in 2013 and not replaced are raised at any meeting I have with disabled people or carers. It is totally unfair there are no new applicants for those schemes or that a better scheme has not been put in place. This is unequal and makes it unfair to disabled people.

The criteria for the primary medical search are very strict. Many people whom we think should qualify do not. The scheme needs to be completely overhauled. I thought something positive would come of it when it was brought to court but unfortunately it did not happen and, as Mr. Tyndall said, the wrong decision was taken. Is Mr. Tyndall aware of any Government review of the scheme or any intention by the Government to introduce a new scheme to replace it? It is almost nine years since it was suspended and the Government did undertake to replace it with something else. If this does not happen will we be able to implement the UNCRPD with regard to transport? Mr. Tyndall knows more that I do that the UNCRPD covers every aspect of a person's life. Without addressing the issue of transport and the unavailability of suitable transport options for people, particularly in rural areas, we will not fulfil their rights. Is Mr. Tyndall aware of any review? Will we be able to ratify the UNCRPD?