Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)

I want to raise an issue I brought up in the past but have got no feedback on it yet, namely, the issue of the benefit-in-kind scheme for the National Ambulance Service. The Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said she passed it on to the Minister for Finance. The Revenue Commissioners have to make the decision on this. It has been four months since first I brought it up in this House, which is plenty of time for them to make a decision on it.

At the end of the day, do these people not understand rural Ireland? Not all of us live in cities.

Having that vehicle at the side of the house means that, when a 999 call comes in, people who are off-duty are still able to respond and go to their local communities, like GAA clubs. These workers are a great benefit to the country, to be honest. It is a small issue that needs to be sorted out. It would provide great value for the rural communities. In Donegal, for example, we could be an hour and a half away from the major hospital in Letterkenny. There is no cover at the weekends. These people are turning out. I have seen them and have heard stories that they were not even on duty but they turned out. We need to get on top of this and try to get the Revenue Commissioners to make a decision on it in order that we know where it is going.

I wish Donegal all the best on Sunday. I hope we will be in the final.