Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 613: To ask the Minister for Health when he expects the results of the announced review by his Department following the publication of the Ombudsman Report called To Old to be Equal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29253/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that I am familiar with the Ombudsman's Report - Too Old to be Equal - which is an investigation into the refusal of mobility allowance to people over 66 years of age and which was published in April 2011 The Department of Health has advised the Ombudsman that it accepts the Ombudsman's recommendation to revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department has also indicated to the Ombudsman that there are a range of policy options which need to be considered. The future of the mobility allowance has already been considered by Government and is due to be considered again. The Department will inform the Ombudsman when a decision regarding mobility allowance is taken by Government.