Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for their supplementary questions. An independent review group was established and people with disabilities were represented on it. It also had organisations from the disability sector on it, which are still there.

As regards the public consultation, advertisements were placed in newspapers, as well as requests for information online. The HSE advertised the consultation process as well. There was a short time during which all that took place.

I note Deputy Conway's point that she was told an individual letter would be sent to persons with disabilities. I am not aware of that but I will certainly follow it up and will obtain a response for the Deputy.

Second, on the language used in the third question, I will see what I can get in respect of a response or reply to that. However, I understand the information that was considered in an individual capacity was not so much to rank matters in terms of what was a less or more serious disability but to decide what were the priorities to deal with the mobility issue and the transportation issue. This is what they were endeavouring to do. Finally, on the length of time, the Government seeks to receive a report next month and for the review group to have completed its deliberations by that time. While that is a tight timescale, as I indicated in my reply any submission that is received over the next few days or for the rest of the week via letter, e-mail or other mechanism will be considered. I am sure there is no problem about that. However, I also will seek to ascertain whether a further extension is possible. I understand one Deputy mentioned an extension of one week, while the other Deputy suggested two weeks. Perhaps a slightly extended compromise, between one and two weeks, might be achieved.

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