I find the tone of the Taoiseach's reply to Deputy Martin's question on the series of shootings in Dublin very ironic. Let me remind the Taoiseach that some time ago we had a similar situation in Limerick, and Fine Gael, then in opposition, expected us to solve the problem and roundly condemned us every time someone was shot. I can just imagine what the response of the Taoiseach would have been when he was in opposition if we had given an answer like his.

When will the mobility allowance be restored? The Taoiseach is aware that it has been three years since the mobility allowance was stopped. The Ombudsman decided that the scheme should be broadened, but instead the Government stopped it and set up a committee. Last week the Tánaiste, in reply to Deputy Adams, said the matter was being worked on in the Department of Health. Strangely enough, about four months after the mobility allowance scheme ceased, I had a similar query and received precisely the same answer, namely, that the Department of Health was working on the issue. That was two years and eight months ago. How much work does it take? When will this significant volume of work be brought to a conclusion? When will the mobility allowance be restored?

In case the Deputy did not hear me properly, let me assure him again that the Government will provide whatever resources, facilities and capacity are necessary for the Garda Síochána to tackle gangland shootings, killings and murders. This Government will see to it that those resources are made available as and when they are required.

The mobility allowance is not as simple as it seems. I have examined the issue. It involves devising a scheme that is appropriate in the current circumstances. What was in place before meant that those who were receiving the payment were allowed to continue receiving payments while work was done on the introduction of a new scheme. Determining the limits of eligibility under the scheme is the problem. There were different variations of the scheme which were not appropriate. The review is still being worked on in the Department of Health. I will advise the Deputy of progress made on that shortly.