I do not propose to accept Senator MacSharry's amendment to the Order of Business. The dramatic and theatrical performance of the Senator is lost in the House.

I always said he was the star pupil.

He forgets that the Ombudsman made these points more than five years ago and Fianna Fáil had ample time to do something about them but the party did the same as it did with many other issues - kick the can down the road for somebody else to deal with. That is what has happened.

The mobility allowance will continue to be paid for a further three months in respect of those in receipt and those whose applications have been received and who have been found to qualify. The motorised transport grant will be paid to those in receipt and those whose applications have been found to qualify. No further application will be accepted for either scheme. The Department of Health will immediately undertake a review of the issues and recommend a solution as to the best way to meet the transport and mobility needs of those who require support within the budget available.

The Ombudsman identified that both schemes do not comply with the Equal Status Act 2000. However, an extension of either scheme, as recommended by her, would create a severe and serious financial pressure on the health budget and would be unsustainable. The current budget is €10.6 million and the cost of such an extension could be as much as €100 million per annum for the mobility allowance and more than €200 million over a three-year period for the motorised transport grant. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has, therefore, established a project group to review and examine the issues and recommend an appropriate solution within three months. That is the current position on the matter. When the Minister of State receives the report and comes back with a solution within budget, perhaps I can arrange a debate on the matter at that time.

Senators Ivana Bacik and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the termination of the bank guarantee. We have ended many of the measures the previous Government brought in. We addressed the IBRC, promissory note and other issues, which plagued the country over the past number of years, and we are gradually regaining our economic sovereignty.

Senators Bacik and Norris referred to the climate change Bill and I hope we will have a debate on that in early course. Senator Bacik also asked for a debate on Syria and the problems there.

Senator Norris seconded the amendment to the Order of Business and called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to explain why he will not proceed with the privacy Bill. I also note the Senator's comments on climate change.

Senators D'Arcy, Comiskey, O'Neill and others called on the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to extend the deadline for the burning of scrub and hedge cutting. I will bring that matter to his attention. We have had a wet winter and people realise the problems faced by those in the farming community in this regard. I am sure the Minister will act and extend the deadline.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of filling posts on State bodies. They are still littered with Fianna Fáil nominees, many of whom are probably incapable of doing the job.

On a point of order, on two occasions, I asked the Leader and Deputy Leader for an explanation about the two people appointed to the Heritage Council who did not even apply,

That is not a point order. The Senator should resume his seat.

It still requires the Leader to usefully reflect that before he casts------

I will reflect and say that nobody applied for any of the positions Fianna Fáil filled over the years.

If that is the Leader's defence, I am afraid it is a sad day.

I draw the Senator's attention to the more than 100 appointments made to various boards as the people kicked Fianna Fáil out of government.

Fine Gael did the very same.

Fianna Fáil Members should think about that and reflect on that if they are asking me to reflect on this issue. When the party was kicked out of government, it continued to make appointments and none of the appointees applied.

The Leader is touchy.

The record shows that Fine Gael did the same.

Will the Leader answer the question about the two Labour Party activists who did not apply? Did the letter to the people whose application failed say the Government was sorry but that they had to look after two party hacks and thank them for their applying?

On reflection, I have to award the prize for drama to Senator Cummins.

Fine Gael was supposed to be a new party with a new manifesto.

The Leader, without interruption.

Senators Landy and Wilson raised the issue of the development plans of town councils and asked that they be extended. Senator Landy also referred to amending the Planning and Development Acts. I will bring these matters to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Senator Quinn referred to presumed consent for organ donations. He has raised this issue on many occasions. I acknowledge his comment that Deputy Buttimer will introduce a Bill similar to that introduced a few years ago. The Deputy was a Member of this House when the original Bill was introduced and, therefore, he should know a great deal about it. Senator Burke referred to the delays on the part of all Governments and Departments, including the permanent government in the Civil Service, in proceeding with Bills that have passed Second Stage in the House. If the Government supports a Bill on Second Stage and is not going to proceed with it, it should introduce its own legislation within a short period and not wait as long we have witnessed in recent years.

I agree with Senator Feargal Quinn, Senator Colm Burke and others in that regard.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames called for a further cut in pensions to former Ministers. Senator Michael Mullins also raised that point.

Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Michael Comiskey and Paul Coghlan raised an issue from the discussions last evening on the dumping of fish disregards. We should all compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, in this regard. When he was in the House to speak about fishing, he said he would raise the matter and continue to raise it at European Union level. I hope, as a result of the meeting yesterday, that the matter has been solved to the satisfaction of all. It was disgraceful that so much fish was being dumped overboard when people are hungry in Europe and in the world. I am glad this issue has been solved once and for all.

Senator Paschal Mooney raised the issue of the deterioration of roads. I agree that there are many roads around the country in urgent need of repair. In January 2012 the Department of Transport announced a €100 million, 24 month programme of works to target black spots and include road safety. We are half way through that plan. Work commenced on 31 of the projects in 2012, three of which have been completed. Construction work continues on the remaining 28 projects which are expected to be completed in 2013, as planned, on schedule. When the scheme was announced in 2012 it was made perfectly clear that 29 of the projects, for which no funding is currently available, would be brought through the planning process. These 29 projects will be ready to proceed when funding becomes available. Certainly there are moves in the roads area but I agree that more needs to be done. That is recognised throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Bring in a supplementary budget?

Senator Deirdre Clune mentioned alcohol awareness week. I will try to have the Minister come to the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the extension of town development plans. He also asked about the further education and training Bill. That Bill will come before the House on Thursday next.

Senator Aideen Hayden raised the issue of the failure of previous governments to deal with fuel poverty and property standards. We see the result of that at this time.

Senator Jim Walsh mentioned that the attacks on offices of any group must be condemned. I am sure everybody would agree that they should be condemned. We have witnessed attacks on the offices of various organisations in recent years. As I mentioned last week, the report into the death of Savita Halappanavar was not with the Minister. I understand the report still has not been furnished to the Minister. I will confirm that for the Senator.

Senator Pat O'Neill raised the issue of credit unions. I have raised the matter with the Minister for Finance. I was surprised that credit unions did not withdraw their moneys from these schemes immediately, after IBRC had outlined its problems.

Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the necessity for cuts to legal services and all others who provide services to the State. That is a very good point.

Maybe we could have the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform come to the House?

Senator Rónan Mullen mentioned the results of recent opinion polls. I note his point in that regard.

A number of Members left the House because they had to attend various committee meetings. I remind the House that as and from 1 March, as fully agreed by the House, Members should not go to meetings prior to or during the Order of Business. That takes into consideration meetings that start at 9.30 a.m. as well as meetings that start at 11 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. and similarly on a Tuesday. That will not operate unless all Members comply with the motion unanimously supported by all sides of the House.

Senator Marc MacSharry has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate to establish what alternatives were examined prior to taking the decision to reduce mobility grants be taken today."