Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I hope I will not repeat the issues my colleague has raised. There has been much coverage in the media about the decision to remove the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant in June this year, following the findings of the Ombudsman of inconsistency with the Equal Status Acts. However, in contrast to this it appears there has been very little coverage regarding the open consultation process which has been highlighted on the Department's website since 2 April to aid the process in replacing the former mobility allowance and motorised transport grant.

Any constituents who have contacted my office have outlined that they were not aware of the consultation process that was taking place. Had they been notified in advance, they would have completed the questionnaire. Many constituents have raised concerns over the limited timescale regarding the consultation process, the deadline of which happens to be today. The forms can only be accessed on the Department's website. While I am an advocate of IT and reducing paper trails, one may ask how many of these people have Internet access. Some Departments seem constantly to overlook the fact that not everybody is computer literate or has access to such facilities. It appears the form cannot be accessed by any other means.

I note on the website that the purpose of the consultation is to hear the views of the widest possible number of people who have an interest in this matter, and in particular those who are currently in receipt either of the mobility allowance or the motorised transport grant.

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