The programme for Government states that "people with disabilities should be supported in maximising their potential, by removing barriers which impact on access to services, education, work or health care". That is the rhetoric; the reality is different. In 2011 the Taoiseach said disability supports would not be cut but then Fine Gael and the Labour Party, like Fianna Fáil before them, savagely cut those supports.

In my constituency of Louth-East Meath, the impact of these cuts is evident, particularly for the 5,000 citizens there with an intellectual disability. I have raised the WALK PEER project in the House many times. It enables young people with a disability to access opportunities in mainstream education, training and employment within their communities. WALK PEER was one of 14 disability activation schemes jointly funded by the Department of Social Protection and the European Social Fund. The Government withdrew funding in a move that makes no sense whatsoever. Only one project has survived, the one in Louth, which has only recently been awarded temporary funding until Christmas after lobbying by parents, carers and the young people themselves.

This project undertakes fantastic work in fostering vital links between young citizens and employers, educators and the wider community. The programme is fully in line with the Government strategy as set out in the Disability Act 2004, the national disability strategy 2015-20, the EPSEN Act and the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities. WALK PEER would cost €300,000 annually, spread over six Departments. It makes economic sense given there are almost 600,000 people living with a disability in this State, over half of whom are of working age and many of whom want a pathway to employment. WALK PEER provides that pathway.

The comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities has been on a shelf for ten years, with no funding allocated to it. A committee set up a year ago to examine the benefits and future of disability activation schemes so far has not issued a report, which is hardly surprising as it has only met twice.

Budget 2017 will present an opportunity to correct some of the injustices. The question is what steps will the Government take in it to address the urgent need to provide real support for citizens with disabilities and their families and carers.

As the Deputy is aware, that fine Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is dealing with those who suffer the challenges posed by a disability. He sits at the Cabinet table and is doing a fine job. He has a very extensive budget to deal with disability issues which are a real priority. The question of providing additional finances for 2017 is being considered as part of the Estimates process. We no longer have European funding for this area. The Minister of State was allocated a further €31 million this year for respite care and residential services and school leavers. He allocated €100,000 or €150,000 to the WALK PEER group in the early part of the summer. He has met the group and others on a constant basis and is very much in tune with the needs of those who suffer a disability. He is not shy about making his voice heard at the Cabinet on these matters. Everybody, including the Minister of State, supports that priority.

The Taoiseach did not answer the question. Deputy Finian McGrath might be a very fine Minister of State, although there is not much competition for that post.

There is a bit of competition from behind the Deputy's back.

People with disabilities are real people with real potential and it is only fair that they should have the same rights as everyone else. That is how we should evaluate society and the Proclamation of the Republic of 1916 is clear on the matter. It addresses itself to Irish men and Irish women. It does not include the words "except if you have a disability". One of the participants in the WALK PEER project is a young woman who recently gained a place in college and is flourishing. A young man wants to be an usher in Leinster House. He is currently employed part time in the Westcourt Hotel in Drogheda. The manager told us that the entire staff had changed their attitude to people with disabilities as a result. A young woman who was suicidal is now training to be a make-up artist. Her mother told us at a briefing here how she had intervened as her daughter tried to take her own life. She is now a different person. Why does the Government not underpin this work?

I thank the Deputy.

Ní bheidh mé ach nóiméad, a Cheann Comhairle. These citizens and their families have a right to the modest support represented by the €300,000 provided across six Departments. I met the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, to discuss the issue yesterday. I wish him well, but in my view, if he cannot obtain funding for this project, he should resign from the Government. This is about fairness. He did not do it a moment ago, but will the Taoiseach commit to the budget showing fairness to citizens with disabilities, their families and carers?

I note that the Deputy said they were "real people". I do not think he expects the Government to deal with virtual people, as it were. He went on to say, rightly, that people with disabilities made their way into mainstream work and contributed to their communities in their lives and careers and the Government recognises this. It is evident every day in every parish and community that people with intellectual and physical challenges make their way, play their part and contribute, as we would expect them to do. They want to be recognised and have every right to be as citizens of the State.

Answer the question.

Sign the convention.

The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, sought funding and has been granted an extra €31 million to deal with the many challenges people with disabilities have to contend with. That happens every day. I am sure he will look at the project to which Deputy Gerry Adams referred. An extra €31 million was allocated by the Government for respite care and residential services and school leavers to deal with these issues.

They were articulated by the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, in very graphic form in much the same way as Deputy Adams talks about people making their way into employment and contributing to their careers and lives. We support that. Despite the shortage of resources, there is a significant amount of money going into meeting the challenges of disabled people, which we will continue.