Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I thank Deputy Jack Chambers for his question. A range of officials is involved, including those from the Departments of Justice and Equality, Social Protection and Health, and Children and Youth Affairs which are my line Departments. All Departments are represented on the new interdepartmental committee. On most days of the week I interact with between ten and 15 people across the Departments. I also have a special disability adviser, Mr. Gerry Maguire, who advises me specifically on disability issues. I am confident that the work of the interdepartmental committee will lead to quicker ratification of the UN convention. As I said earlier, I accept that I may have set too high a target on this issue. When I took up office, I set 100-day targets regarding many issues. I like to set short-term targets in the context of achieving things. I am confident that the convention can be ratified.

On the Deputy's question regarding medical card provision, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, brought a memo on this matter before Cabinet yesterday. This is a priority issue for the Minister and the Government. I take on board Deputy Jack Chambers' point regarding the legislative process. The Deputy can be assured that legislation providing for medical cards for those in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance is a priority for the Minister and the Government and it will be brought forward soon. I will raise the issue of the timeline for the introduction of the legislation with the Minister for Health, following which I will come back to the Deputy with more details.