Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I share the Senator's concerns about Electric Ireland. I hope the Minister can come to the House.

We heard a report on RTE stating the mobility allowance scheme has been withdrawn in respect of many people in serious medical circumstances. Ms Emily O'Reilly has said the Department of Health is acting illegally regarding the scheme. I do not want to blame the previous Government although this arose on its watch; I will give it a pass today in that regard. It is totally unacceptable that the physically disabled are denied access to the scheme, not because they are ineligible but because the Department of Health has said the money is not available. Legally, the Department is obliged to pay. The Minister should explain the position to the House. I do not know how many people are affected but they are the most vulnerable. One person who was refused was 81 and subsequently died. Nobody should have to experience refusal. The scheme offers ¤280 per month for people who cannot walk or who are otherwise immobile. It is unacceptable for the HSE to say it cannot afford to pay. This is not an excuse when it is legally obliged to pay. If the excuse were upheld, it would set a precedent regarding many other equally worthy schemes. I ask the Minister to explain his position in the House and to reverse the decision immediately.

We had a very good debate last night on Alzheimer's disease. Members from all groups engaged with those who had watched the debate from the Visitors Gallery. Alzheimer's disease and dementia will be talked about more frequently because the average age of the population is increasing. Statistics show that the incidence of dementia doubles every ten years. It is coming down the tracks very quickly.

Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations were debated with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport yesterday. This matter needs to be addressed very quickly. I said at the meeting that there is too much fog around the whole issue and nobody seems to be clear on it. I wish the Minister made a decision and maintained the status quo so the people of Malin Head and Valentia can have some clarity. I expect the Minister to make that decision soon.

Public officials are being abused at meetings, which is not acceptable. I have seen this occur at various meetings. I would not like to be a public official attending committee meetings at present because there seems to be a carefree attitude in the sense that they are being hammered and subjected to grandstanding. I do not refer to anybody in particular. I hope a very good case can be made for Malin Head. A Northern Ireland delegation made the case, which is very important.

There should be a debate on promissory notes before March. It should be held immediately in order that the House can discuss our circumstances in this regard. In March, we will need to have a plan in place. There are many potential contributors in this House, including Senator Barrett, who has a grasp of the matter that others do not have. A debate on promissory notes would be very useful for us and the wider public.