Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to conclude with a final question. The bike to work scheme is not strictly under the Minister's Department; it is more the Department of Finance and Revenue. I found out recently that a lot of people are locked out of the scheme. It works in a lot of employment centres but, for example, Members of the Oireachtas cannot avail of the scheme, as far as I know. People who are unemployed are also not entitled to avail of it. I know it is a paradox if you are not working - it is a bike to work scheme - but surely in this day and age the title of the scheme needs to be changed. People who are retired are also not entitled to avail of it. I love the bike. Today was my first day back on the bike after surgery. I could not wait to get back in the saddle. The scheme was wonderful when it came in. I think the Minister was its architect, if I recall correctly. The title needs to change. The "work" part might need to be taken out. Why not broaden the scheme to include people attending education and retired and unemployed people? It would be wonderful. It kind of falls under the remit of this committee. I would love for the Minister to advocate for that within the Government.