Mr. John Dolan:

In a nutshell, and picking up on themes that came from members, whom I thank for the attention they gave to the submissions, people with disabilities and their families seek a real sign of hope. It is clear that all the members on both sides of the House are making the point that it cannot all be done next year. Each one of us knows that, but I refer to clarity about a sign that something tangible is happening and that, on the economic side, we have pulled more out of the services than the tax side or whatever but we are now reversing engines in some way. That is what people need: a boost to their morale. Deputy Collins made the point about families and people having used up all their slack. We all do that. We grin and bear it and get on with it. The slack is used up, however, and it is not there any more.

On the more particular issues, Deputy Ó Snodaigh spoke of our forbearance and I should tell him that as far as I am concerned, I have almost run out of it at this point, although I will do my best to be respectful. When I listen to people and families, however, and I acknowledge members also do this and that we are not the only ones, it is difficult to keep going. The point is there must be a clear signal and while it cannot be huge, it must be real and meaningful. Members should remember that no one negotiated with any of the people in this room about what was going to happen. Negotiations were held with public service workers. I do not suggest there should not have been but there was no negotiation with the people at the sharp end of the services. It was the chemistry of a coalition Government that came up with a figure that split the calf in some way or other, so to speak. What does that say to people who, in a sense, have come out at the wrong side-----