27 Feb 2013, 18:00
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions this afternoon agreed to call the Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, before it to discuss the decision last night to end the Mobility Allowance Scheme and the Motorised Transport Grant.
26 February 2013
On 6 February, Dr McLoughlin, with Minister for Health James Reilly TD, Minister of State Kathleen Lynch TD and HSE officials, discussed with the Committee the Ombudsman’s findings that both schemes are being operated on the basis of eligibility conditions which breach the provisions of the Equal Status Acts.
Chairman of the Committee Pádraig Mac Lochlainn says: “At a meeting on 6 February, we heard the complexities around maintaining both these schemes. The Committee was advised that a thorough review of both schemes was underway, based on consultation with current beneficiaries. Committee Members expressed disappointment this afternoon that we were not informed, either at that meeting, or in the intervening period, that the suspension of the schemes was being contemplated. This afternoon, we agreed to invite the Secretary General of the Department of Health Dr Ambrose McLaughlin to address a number of concerns arising from last night’s decision.”
“Committee Members stand ready to contribute to a workable, realistic and lawful solution. Conscious of the specific role in engaging with the Ombudsman, our Committee is also increasingly concerned at the difficulties in the relationship between the Ombudsman and the Department of Health, which is being played out in public. Our Committee resolved to continue to closely monitor developments, with the intention of publishing a report with recommendations to the Minister on how a pathway can be found ensure any new schemes are centred on fairness and compassion for those citizens most in need.”
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit Alliance
Joan Collins, People Before Profit Alliance
Michael Conaghan, Labour
Alan Farrell, Fine Gael
Charles Flanagan, Fine Gael
Michael Healy-Rae, Independent
Peter Mathews, Fine Gael
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Féin (Chairman)
Michelle Mulherin, Fine Gael
Derek Nolan, Labour
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Sinn Féin
Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Fianna Fáil
John Paul Phelan, Fine Gael
Senators:
Thomas Byrne
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh
Jimmy Harte
Tony Mulcahy
Susan O’Keeffe