Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister spoke about the evening rural transport scheme and said he would do an evaluation. Does he expect to roll out that scheme nationally? Deputy Wall raised the question of funding and I agree with him. I agree with the Minister on setting up agencies to distribute moneys. Small amounts of money work very well, as for example in north Mayo with the funding for the wheelchair bus. That has done a great deal for people in wheelchairs there because there is no public transport in north Mayo. That is the type of initiative that is needed rather than giving money to big agencies, which can take months to distribute it. That does not work. I ask the Minister to look at the smaller cases to ensure they get an opportunity, and keep it simple. These days, the Government makes everything difficult, but it is the simple measures that work.

Has the Minister made representation to the Minister for Health and Children, the Taoiseach and the rest of his Government colleagues to ensure that the medical card for the over 70s is retained?

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