Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The way to bring these schemes into compliance with the law and give citizens with disabilities their entitlements, where appropriate, is to do what the Ombudsman recommended. The Department has stated, contrary to what the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, said on radio this morning, that these costs cannot be borne. That is the nub of the matter. This was done without notice being given to the Dáil, disability groups or recipients and without consultation. Cost has everything to do with this decision. The Government will not extend the schemes because it will cost more; therefore, it has scrapped them owing to the threat of legal action. It is all about money. There is plenty of money for the golden circles but none for disabled citizens with entitlements. I ask the Taoiseach, leaving aside all the brickbats between the Government and Fianna Fáil, to rescind this decision, wait until the review has concluded and consult properly with representatives of disabled citizens before taking any decision on this matter.

See this speech in context