Page 24 of the programme for Government contains a commitment to a review of the legislation for people with disabilities, and states:

As part of this review, we will move a proportion of public spending to a personal budget model so that people with disabilities or their families have the flexibility to make choices that suit their needs best. Personal budgets also introduce greater transparency and efficiency in funding services.

Given that people were picketing the House two weeks ago because of the absence of any commitment to those behind the independent living movement and the absence of any resources, can the Taoiseach indicate when we will have an outcome in terms of the comprehensive spending review, as outlined in the programme for Government? I refer particularly to the commitment to ring-fence a proportion of public spending to fund the personal budget model for people with disabilities. Finally, has the Taoiseach come to any conclusion on foot of the examination of various mechanisms to promote the recognition of Irish Sign Language in line with a commitment in the programme for Government?

I have on two occasions met people with various challenges who are in receipt of direct personal funding. A number of those people find that such funding is very appropriate to their needs because it enables their carers to deal with their needs in a pragmatic way and it allows them to get the services they need. We need to see more of that. As the Deputy knows, not every person is in a position to avail of such funding because of the particular challenges they might have. It is not as advanced in practical terms as one would like, but I see the benefit of it for people who are availing of it at the moment. I will come back to the Deputy in respect of the sign language situation.