Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

Before the general election the Tánaiste promised that the Labour Party in government would not impose cuts to social welfare payments. Following the Government's first budget, as the detail emerged in the days and weeks after the announcement, we saw that the exact opposite was the case. The disadvantaged were targeted like never before. The social welfare cuts agreed to by the Government were cruel, the proposed disability allowance cuts being particularly cruel, with a more than 50% reduction in some allowances. The Government then paused this budget measure amid opposition and clamour from within this Chamber to add to that from disability groups and campaigners. People with disabilities have been left in limb, as they do not know for certain where they stand with the Government or whether they receive recognition.

The proposed cuts are deeply unfair. Young people with disabilities look forward to having an income of their own. They look forward to the independence it gives and the certainty and quality of life it brings. Cutting the disability allowance for young people up to the age of 24 years was wrong and should be reversed. The Government admitted the mistake it had made in delivering the equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, scheme. It is time to do the same with this proposal. The budgets announced in 2008, 2009 and 2010 were tough, but, at least, they were fair and did not target those most in need. This was independently confirmed by the Economic and Social Research Institute which also observed that the 2011 Budget Statement was exceptionally regressive. Does the Tánaiste still stand over the regressive Budget Statement of 2011? Will he confirm that the proposed cuts to disability allowance will not proceed?

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