Mr. Michael McCabe:

I thank the joint committee's members for inviting the CIL to appear before them. Just over two weeks ago, an emotional Taoiseach quite rightly spoke of this nation's shame. He stated: "Today we live in a very different Ireland with a very a different consciousness and awareness. We live in an Ireland where we have more compassion, empathy, insight and heart."

According to Government figures, some 4,000 people with disabilities live in institutions. The Government knows that this is wrong. Government policy is to move away from segregating people with disabilities from the rest of society by facilitating inclusion. The personal assistant service, housing adaption grants, the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant are key supports in the realisation of the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community. These supports can be the difference between living and existing. Not only does the axing of the allowance and grant go against domestic and international policy on accommodating the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, but it is morally wrong.

I will hand over to the CEO, Mr. Lee. He is not paid anything like the figures mentioned earlier.