Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

Deputy McCormack spoke about the disabled person's grant. I am aware of applications for that grant in County Wexford that are three to four years old. One dates from a month or two before the general election in 2002. The elderly couple concerned are in failing health. By the time they get the disabled person's grant it will be no good because they will have gone to their eternal reward. That is the sad reality of what is happening to the disabled person's grant scheme not only in Wexford but throughout the country.

The motion calls on the Government to meet its national development plan targets and election promises on social and affordable housing and to convene a crisis meeting with the social partners to address the issue. I ask the Government to support the motion but its Members will vote against it tonight. They will not agree with the motion here but when they return to their constituencies they will agree with it.

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