Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Tomorrow in the Mansion House the Disability Federation of Ireland will launch its pre-budget submission on disability groups and services. Many parents and groups will attend the launch. I wish to raise the important matter of disability services in the State and the urgent need to support people with disability in these difficult economic times. Statistics indicate that 18.5% of Irish people have one disability or more and the percentage is increasing as the population ages. A total of 75% of voluntary disability organisations have reported that the demand for their services has increased although their public funding has been reduced. This is the tough world for many people with a disability.

Did the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste state on the "Prime Time" programme on 22 February 2011 that disability, including mental health, was to be their social justice priority? Did the Taoiseach give that commitment? It is stated on page 54 of the programme for Government that we need a realistic implementation plan for the national disability strategy, including sectoral plans with achievable timescales and targets. Where stands the plan now?

Will the Taoiseach outline what has been the impact of the recession on this historically disadvantaged group? Does he share my concerns that the social infrastructure is now being broken up and people are looking for hope on the matter?

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