David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister of State agree that the disability strategy is now in tatters? He has already outlined the key elements of the strategy, including the Disability Act, the EPSEN Act and the Citizen's Information Act. The carers' strategy is also gone and we are still waiting for the mental capacity Bill. Departmental plans have been delayed. Is it not time for the Government to come forward with a realistic strategy and stop the bluffing that is going on and the pretence that something is happening?

Why did it take the Department so long to supply figures to me on the amount of money spent in this area? How much money has been spent since 2006 in the area? I reckon it is only about €490 million out of a promised €900 million. The Department of Health and Children is all over the place and is short by approximately €100 million on its spend. I only got those figures about an hour ago but I asked the questions of the Minister six months ago. There is great disparity in the figures so will the Minister of State explain them?

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