Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Rural Ireland is not just two words. It is a real place where 40% of the Irish population live. We are increasingly hearing the expression "rural Ireland" in the context of a place where all problems occur. We all know people who are having difficulty accessing their homes in their own cars because of poor roads and infrastructure. People living in rural Ireland are suffering to a far greater extent as a result of any changes to these grants. Rural Ireland is not a magical place on a map; it is where 40% of the population of Ireland live.

I do not know Ms Langford, although people have spoken highly of her. I have every faith in the review group and the work it will do. However, my concern is that the pressure upon it, in terms of its being asked to devise in four months a system for something which the Department of Health has stated over and again is an extremely complex situation, is too great. The review group should be given an assurance that it is not under such pressure, that no payment will be ceased after four months and that everything will remain the same until it reports with its suggestions. The people concerned and the review group will then at least know that they are being treated fairly.

We have spoken many times in the House about community-based transport schemes. In regard to the new proposals for funding, there is concern among the people who have worked hard to establish really good transport groups that they will come under pressure, under the new funding system for county councils, to withdraw their services. I urge the independent review group to reiterate the importance of community-based transport schemes and to ensure that funding for them is retained. I do not know what will ultimately be the new structure but any changes that occur at county council level should not diminish this service at a time when the mobility allowance is being reduced.

I am grateful to have this opportunity to have my voice heard. I have no doubt that the independent review group will be listening to what we have to say here. It would be not foolish not to, because we will be asking whether it listened to what we said. I respectfully disagree with Senator MacSharry, who used the words "slap back" in regard to Senator Moloney's stepping out of line. I believe that is a mark of disrespect to the Leader.