Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

I thank the Deputy for the question. The file shows that the Department of Health had originally signalled its intention to review the mobility allowance in late 2009. I can assure the Deputy that since that time, and prior to that in 2008, very significant efforts were made at official level to deal with the issue, but it is difficult and complex. I reassure the committee that we acknowledge the position of the ombudsman. The ombudsman carries out an important and valuable function. We will try to improve the relationships between the ombudsman and the Department to ensure we can get on with the business of assisting the patients and the public we want to serve and rebuild a new relationship. These are difficult technical issues and I ask Members to understand that the Department has a deep-seated commitment to resolving them. We understand the complexity of them and we understand the importance of the ombudsman's report. I assure the Chairman I am taking the issue extremely seriously.