Mr. Ger Deering:

We do not have any indication. Again, I would hope that it would be done quickly. In regard to the case studies mentioned by the Deputy, our staff hear those stories on a daily basis. We have had more than 300 complaints about these schemes and very little positive outcome for the people who complain to us because if the scheme does not permit them to benefit from it, there is nothing much we can do in that regard. If people were hearing those stories first-hand and if they met these people maybe then they would understand the urgency. Nine years is a very long time if you have no access to participate in life. There is very considerable hardship being suffered by the individuals and their families.

At the time some of these schemes were closed to new applicants there were approximately 4,500 people in receipt of the benefit. I note that 4,500 has reduced to 3,500, which means 1,000 people are no longer benefiting from the scheme. There are people coming close to the end of their lives who need this scheme. This all started because somebody over the age of 66 was not eligible to be in the scheme. Where is the notion that one has to stop living and participating in society at 66 years of age? There is a very real need. When I met with this committee last December I made the point that we often look back and talk about the awful things that were done in the past. I would be concerned that in the future people will look back and question how on our watch we allowed this to happen to people with a disability. The time has come for action. I do not, unfortunately, have a timescale in that regard.