Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He forgets that the Ombudsman made these points more than five years ago and Fianna Fáil had ample time to do something about them but the party did the same as it did with many other issues - kick the can down the road for somebody else to deal with. That is what has happened.

The mobility allowance will continue to be paid for a further three months in respect of those in receipt and those whose applications have been received and who have been found to qualify. The motorised transport grant will be paid to those in receipt and those whose applications have been found to qualify. No further application will be accepted for either scheme. The Department of Health will immediately undertake a review of the issues and recommend a solution as to the best way to meet the transport and mobility needs of those who require support within the budget available.

The Ombudsman identified that both schemes do not comply with the Equal Status Act 2000. However, an extension of either scheme, as recommended by her, would create a severe and serious financial pressure on the health budget and would be unsustainable. The current budget is ¤10.6 million and the cost of such an extension could be as much as ¤100 million per annum for the mobility allowance and more than ¤200 million over a three-year period for the motorised transport grant. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has, therefore, established a project group to review and examine the issues and recommend an appropriate solution within three months. That is the current position on the matter. When the Minister of State receives the report and comes back with a solution within budget, perhaps I can arrange a debate on the matter at that time.

Senators Ivana Bacik and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the termination of the bank guarantee. We have ended many of the measures the previous Government brought in. We addressed the IBRC, promissory note and other issues, which plagued the country over the past number of years, and we are gradually regaining our economic sovereignty.

Senators Bacik and Norris referred to the climate change Bill and I hope we will have a debate on that in early course. Senator Bacik also asked for a debate on Syria and the problems there.

Senator Norris seconded the amendment to the Order of Business and called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to explain why he will not proceed with the privacy Bill. I also note the Senator's comments on climate change.

Senators D'Arcy, Comiskey, O'Neill and others called on the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to extend the deadline for the burning of scrub and hedge cutting. I will bring that matter to his attention. We have had a wet winter and people realise the problems faced by those in the farming community in this regard. I am sure the Minister will act and extend the deadline.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of filling posts on State bodies. They are still littered with Fianna Fáil nominees, many of whom are probably incapable of doing the job.