Mr. Gary Lee:

The point I am trying to get across is that 127 countries have ratified the UN convention. The Government has told us that for policy reasons, it will not ratify the convention until we are in compliance with it. If it is really serious about ratifying the UN convention, did it consider its articles, and particularly article 19, before ceasing the allowance?

The national disability strategy, along with the European disability strategy for 2010 to 2020, is all about inclusion of people with disabilities in the community. The allowance and the grant are vital supports for many members who have specialised access requirements not provided by mainstream public transport. Taking them away, as evidenced in Rachel's case, would definitely result in isolation from the community.

The abolition of the existing schemes and the confusion about what will replace them has unnecessarily instilled fear in many people with disabilities. We have heard the proposals of taking the money, ring-fencing it and giving it to service providers of transport for people with disabilities. Will we go back to the indignity of the minibus? What way is that to treat people in 2013? It will definitely lead to increased social isolation for people with disabilities, decreasing quality of life and employment opportunities. It definitely decreases autonomy and personal development, as well as the opportunity to take part in vocational training. It will also result in the decreasing of the potential of each individual person to contribute to society in a meaningful and valued way.

I do not want to be alarmist but this will mean reinstitutionalisation for some people with disabilities.