Disability poverty supports
A visitor was welcomed, then Deputy Doherty and Deputy Quaide highlighted the severe cost-of-living pressures on people with disabilities, including delayed assessments of need and court action against families. The Minister said disability funding had increased and that the Government was engaging with the sector.
Before I move to questions on policy or promised legislation, I welcome the transition year students from Intermediate School, Killorglin, in County Kerry, along with their teachers James Culloty an Annie O'Connor, who are guests of Deputy Michael Cahill.
Comment on this
As has been mentioned already, as we speak there are people with disabilities protesting outside the gates of Leinster House because they are struggling with the cost of living. The hard reality is that in the budget the Government took away the supports that these individuals were relying on. People with disabilities are up to €1,400 worse off. The Government stripped away the vital supports they depend on to deal with the spiralling cost-of-living crisis. Those are not my numbers but the Irish Wheelchair Association's numbers. The Government shamefully left vulnerable people high and dry. This has caused serious anger, worry and stress for people with disabilities, many of whom are going to be forced into real deprivation. That is why they are gathered outside the gates of Leinster House pleading for the Government to introduce an emergency winter disability payment and do the right thing. Will the Government listen to the disability sector? Will it reverse its decision and introduce an emergency winter disability payment because these individuals cannot wait 12 months for it to get its act together?
Comment on this
As I said in response to Deputy Cairns, this was a budget where we absolutely took the provision of disability services very seriously. That is why there is a 20% increase following the negotiation and settlement with the Minister, Deputy Foley, which will make a real difference in strengthening and enhancing service provision. That is being complemented with a series of targeted social protection supports in terms of core welfare increases, the fuel allowance and other payments. Of course, we will continue to engage with stakeholders in the disability sector and people with disabilities in advance of budget 2027 on the priorities for next year's budget. That is the context in which we agreed budget 2026.