Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in implementing the recommendation of the Ombudsman that the mobility allowance be extended to persons over the age of 66 to end the transgression of the Equal Status Act. [44762/12]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason for his failure to extend eligibility to apply for the mobility allowance to people of more than 66 years of age as was recommended by the Ombudsman in the grounds of equality; and if he will outline any plans he may have with regard to the scheme. [45145/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.

The Department of Health has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department also notes that the Ombudsman, in a footnote to her recommendation, expresses no view as to the terms of the revision of the mobility allowance, other than the revised scheme should be compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department accepts that the mobility allowance cannot continue to operate on the current basis. The Department has pointed out to the Ombudsman that there are a range of potential policy options that need to be considered. Final policy decisions in this regard have yet to be taken.