Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

Our thoughts are with the community mentioned at this time. We join with Senator Denis O'Donovan in wishing luck to everyone involved in today's difficult endeavours.

I thank Members in engaging in yesterday's vigorous Private Members' debate on rural transport. That it was followed by the resumption of statements on suicide brought to light the need for the issue of isolation to be debated. The word "isolation" was used often during our two hour discussion on rural transport and the statements on suicide. I hope the House will continue to emphasise the need for rural transport services, particularly for the elderly. During the public consultation committee meetings the issue of providing a taxi voucher or introducing a voucher scheme for the elderly was raised by a number of groups. On the basis of their evidence, the Labour Party believed the matter was important enough to be raised in the House again. We hope to maintain dialogue with the Minister on that matter.

Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister for Health to ensure that the rural transport budget is allocated as soon as possible? Some of the schemes around the country are in a very uncertain situation and do not know how much or when the moneys will be allocated. I hope this matter will be expedited.