Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The continued denial of access to personal transport supports for people with disabilities is nothing short of shameful. That is the view of the Ombudsman. He was on "Morning Ireland" yesterday, the great "Morning Ireland" that tells us so much. In his office's latest annual report, the Ombudsman, Mr. Ger Deering, said that he and his predecessors have been demanding reforms by Government, this Government and other Governments, for the past 12 years. I understood that we may have had a debate next week, but I do not think that is now possible for a number of reasons. However, I would respectfully like to ask that before we close up here for the summer recess, we have a debate with a particular focus on the Ombudsman. He has made recommendations and findings, and it would keep it focused. Disability is a very broad issue.

At the same time, I want to acknowledge the enormous work that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Anne Rabbitte, has done. She is exceptionally hard-working. There are constraints, and I am being honest, upfront and practical here. The reality is that there is not money for everything all at once but I do think she is doing a great job. However, the Ombudsman has made a call now and we need to listen to him. I would like if we could have a very focused debate on his recommendations regarding this issue.