The Government decided to continue monthly payments to those persons in receipt of Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, pending the commencement of a statutory scheme, on the basis that this would prevent hardship and, on interim basis, alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society. Accordingly, the individual referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of €104.25 in February 2013 when the Government decided to close the mobility allowance. The €104.25 has been paid for the past two years and will continue to be paid to the individual at the existing rate until further instruction issues from the Department of Health, on foot of any further decisions the Government may make in this matter.