The following motion was moved by Deputy Finian McGrath on Wednesday, 20 March 2013: That Dáil Éireann: recognises that, according to Census 2011, 13% of the population is coping with a disability; accepts that the percentage of people with a disability who complete second or third level education is much lower than the comparative figure for the general population; acknowledges the census figures which show that 4.1% of the population is providing unpaid assistance to others and that 2.3% of carers are under the age of 15; condemns the Government for its abolition of the mobility allowance, which is a vital and essential resource for so many; believes that the disability sector has been unfairly targeted and has shouldered a disproportionate cut to income and services; recognises that many voluntary organisations have seen their budgets slashed by as much as 25% and are now under severe financial pressure; deplores the 40% cut for grants to help older people to adapt their homes; and calls on the Government to:- reverse its decision on the mobility allowance and grant or, alternatively, set up a new scheme with immediate effect; - fulfil all disability-related promises made in the programme for Government; - give a guarantee to all those depending on disability supports that their income will now be protected and no further cuts will be made to this sector; - bring forward modern legislation during 2013 to replace the outdated Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871; - review access to education for people with disabilities with a view to improving current rates; - engage constructively with groups representing the disabled and give firm commitments as regards services and personal assistants; and - treat all citizens in a fair and equitable manner.

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