Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Freedom of choice is a fundamental principle underlying our autonomy and dignity as persons. Our ability to decide for ourselves is cultivated early in our lives, before even the age of majority is reached, according to our laws. This ability can be impaired by any number of disabling agents as well as how we are born; these might include illness or accidents. Therefore the need for assistance in safeguarding our autonomy is far reaching. This is an important job for the State to support as much as possible each citizen in self-determining his or life and realising the unique talents and potential which lie in each and every one of us, with due regard to the common good.

However, we are not all the same, which is why we make special provision in our social welfare, education and health systems, and through our public physical infrastructure for people with disabilities who find that mainstream services do not accommodate them. This is how, as a Republic, we demonstrate value for all our citizens and, as a society, espouse more than merely survival of the fittest for our people.

In these challenging economic times people who are rendered vulnerable because of a disability and their families can be fearful of the ramifications for them of cuts to budgets. Without doubt, it is a very delicate matter for Government to maintain supports in the face of the financial pressures we face and the stark choices to be made. It could be said that the wisdom of Solomon is required to make decisions on so many competing public interests that face the Government. However, I know that the need to protect vulnerable people is at the heart of decisions on budgets and policy. In the case of the Minister for Health and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who is present, decisions that have to be made on people with disabilities cut very deep and are very difficult for them, but they work to overcome the obstacles while still protecting the vulnerable.

The fears I mentioned were very much in evidence during the recent abolition of the mobility allowance scheme and the motorised transport grant, which came about as a result of the illegality identified in their operation. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and departmental officials are working hard with disability representative groups to find a solution. It is highly irresponsible for some Opposition politicians to imply that people with disabilities are being attacked and this is some grand Government master plan. The Government has ring-fenced €10.6 million for these schemes until a solution is found. This is evidence of the Government's bona fides in this matter - the money, in effect speaks in this case. The Government will not renege on the need to support financially the transport of individuals who cannot walk. People who are fearful in this regard can rely on this as a fact. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will reassure the House later.

I condemn the scurrilous way some Opposition politicians have raised fears among the vulnerable for their own political advantage. It would pay them better to offer practical solutions as to how the legal difficulties regarding these schemes could be overcome in order to address the issue. Fianna Fáil Members presided over this problem for years even when there was money in the public purse available to spend.

As a backbench Government Deputy, I know we have our own mechanisms for discussion through our parliamentary party and feeding right up to our Ministers. With the myriad of problems presenting and the demands on the public purse, at the heart of Government decision-making is consideration for the most vulnerable who are those with disabilities and the elderly.

See this speech in context