Fennelly commission facilities
Micheál Martin asks about reported delays in providing telephone and internet facilities to the Fennelly commission; the Taoiseach undertakes to ensure its needs are met.
With regard to the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, the terms of reference of the Fennelly commission were announced by the Government on 8 April last. In a recent letter to the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr. Justice Fennelly stated that the commission does not yet have telephone or Internet facilities. Will the Taoiseach confirm that this is no longer the case and that the work of the commission will be accelerated?
On the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill, the Minister for Health has given a commitment to change the policy in respect of discretionary medical cards for those with lifelong disabilities, serious illnesses and life-limiting conditions. The relevant Cabinet committee is due to make a final decision on this matter tomorrow. When will the amendments to the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill which relate to changing the policy on discretionary medical cards and which the Minister has promised be forthcoming?
Comment on this
I am not aware of a lack of telephone or Internet connections for the Fennelly commission of investigation. If there is a problem, I will see that it is attended to.
Comment on this
The matter was raised by Mr. Justice Fennelly in a letter to the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality.