Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

A number of cuts in disability and mental health services were outlined during the speeches in the Dáil on last week's budget. There was a lot of talk about protecting the vulnerable. A figure of 2% was mentioned on page 13 of the address that was made by the Minister, Deputy Howlin. I was aware that the service providers were in the middle of talks at the time. They said they were prepared to meet the Government half way by accepting a cut of 1.8% and making a small reduction in their services. The Taoiseach can imagine my shock and horror yesterday when I was told the Government and the HSE are demanding cuts of between 5.5% and 7% in disability services. Is the Taoiseach aware of this information? Is it correct? Can he use his authority to bring this to an end? Is the Government demanding cuts of up to 7% in day care, respite and residential services? Does it not know that disability services are already in crisis? They are suffering enough without sticking the knife in further and cutting more. Did the Taoiseach not learn from last week's row about the disability allowance that it is wrong to cut and damage our disability services? Of course he will mention the economic crisis, but I remind him that a 1% wealth tax would raise more than €800 million. I ask the Taoiseach to end the cuts to disability services. How does he justify taking 250 teachers from the most disadvantaged communities in the State and increasing class ratios from 15:1 to 22:1? I ask the Taoiseach not to wreck our disability services, which are already in crisis and in need our support.

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