Dr. Joanne McCarthy:

There is an ongoing issue with those arbitrary gaps that arise within disability and it happens with those just under 18 years and just over 18 years of age. We now have a comprehensive programme for children for physiotherapy, respite and occupational therapy. However as soon as the person reaches 18 years of age the same programme is not in place. The Disability Federation of Ireland along with colleagues, including Inclusion Ireland and other umbrella organisations, put in for more funding in the run-up to the last budget and during the election. We were looking for €211 million over five years to fund day adult services such as the services the Deputy is talking about. Again, what is needed is sustained investment and a plan that outlines what we want to achieve for these people with the investment.

It is also important to remember that most of the 640,000 people with a disability are not born with disabilities. They are people like all of us here and they acquire the disability after a brain haemorrhage or car crash. They cannot access these services.