I wish to say a few words about yesterday’s budget, particularly how it impacts individuals with disabilities and their families. The budget introduced a number of key issues and key financial supports, not a panacea. One of the most notable changes is the increase to the incapacitated child tax credit, which was raised by €300 to a total of €3,800 per year. This increase will provide families with additional financial relief to cover extensive costs associated with the care of a child with disabilities and their ongoing medical need. It is not a huge increase but it is one of the biggest tax credit increases in the budget and something I advocated for and will be working on to continue to see an increase for families and children with disabilities.

Similarly, the carer's tax credit was increased by €150, which recognised the invaluable contribution of carers to our children and those they care for. These carers, as we know, make significant personal and financial sacrifices to provide care for their family members. This increase is always welcome, and it is a welcome acknowledgement of the vital role they play. We have also seen enhanced allowances for grants for carers. Further tax relief was introduced in budget 2025. Carer’s disregard has risen to €625 for single people and €1,250 for couples. This ultimately allows more people to qualify for the critical financial support that is the carer’s allowance. Additionally, the carer’s support grant has been increased by €150, giving carers much-needed additional support. The domiciliary care allowance has been raised by €20 a month, now totalling €350 per month, which will offer families greater resources to meet their unique needs.

Budget 2025 includes an increase of €336 million in funding for disability services, ensuring that the provision of extra residential beds, respite care and additional home care hours are catered for. We will also see the recruitment of 1,600 new special needs assistants and 768 special education teachers. Given the significant demand on second-level teachers, this increase is fantastic. I welcome the increase in access to IVF treatment and hormone replacement therapy.

The Leader is aware that I sought a debate with the Minister for Transport and the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, on aviation policy. This is the fifth occasion that I have used the Order of Business to seek such a debate. My understanding from the previous response I received was that the request has gone in from the Seanad Office every time but that to date no timescale has been given. That is an insult to this House. It is unacceptable. The Minister or the Minister of State must come before this House to have a debate on aviation policy. I have specifically sought updates on Waterford Airport and the business case that has been submitted in the context of seeking matching funding of €12 million to lengthen and widen the runway. Reports this week indicate that the Minister and the Minister of State have received an appraisal of the business case. It is in their hands, so it is timely that a debate on the matter would be scheduled on the Order Paper. The people of Waterford and the south east require this infrastructure for connectivity into the region. It is an essential piece of infrastructure. The Government committed matching funding of €5 million in 2019. The cost of the project has obviously escalated since then. The request is for €12 million in private sector funding and €3 million from the local authorities in the region. Everyone has bought into this project and a decision needs to be made urgently so that work on this vital piece of infrastructure for the south east can commence. Most importantly, this debate needs to happen in this Chamber and it is unacceptable that it has not taken place to date.