Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When the Bill is enacted, it will allow for assessments to recommence in circumstances where the legal basis for such assessments is clarified. The Deputy asked why this is only being done now. The answer is that it must be done by means of amendment through a finance Bill. Finance Bills are progressed at budget time, so I had to await the opportunity of this year's Finance Bill to make the change. That is what I have done.

On the issue of any delay in the ratification of the Finance Bill, as the Deputy will be aware, that is rarely be the case with a finance Bill because its enactment by the President then allows the operation of many important tax measures for the start of the following year. I expect the review will be complete so that we can then deal with its recommendations and consequences for the finance Bill next year.

This is not a scheme for people who may fall into ill-health; it is a scheme for citizens who have the most acute levels of disability and legitimately and deservedly need additional support from the State to allow them to be mobile.

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