Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to express the sympathy of the House to the families of the prison officers who were attacked and stabbed by the prisoner concerned. They showed, as do all prison officers at all times, great courage in dealing with a very difficult situation. I trust that they will make a full recovery. The Minister for Justice and Equality has asked for a full report on this matter. The priority is the return of the prisoner as soon as possible. On presentation of the full report to the Minister she will follow through on the matter with the Garda and prison authorities.

The health (transport support) Bill is due for publication later this year. It is included in the Department of Health's legislative programme for 2015. Work is under way on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. When the policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government the timeframe for publication of the Bill will become clearer. In the meantime, the monthly payment of €208.50 continues to be made by the HSE to the 4,700 people who were in receipt of the mobility allowance at the time it was closed-off.

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