John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am shocked that the Tánaiste would think that spending €10.8 million on many people who are the most marginalised in society would put such financial constraints on the health budget. The mobility allowance is not about going to work or to the supermarket; it is the broader picture. It is about access, integration, independence, human rights and equality. That is how those affected see it. I do not believe the Tánaiste would be insensitive to or in any way dismissive of the most vulnerable in society. Many of us, including the Tánaiste, have met people who are on the mobility allowance. I have been in 128 homes to meet the people affected and I make it my business to check out all my facts and figures. They feel marginalised and think they are being treated insensitively. They do not have the same mobility as we have and they need an extra bit of help. Any attempt to cut €10.8 million from a budget is reprehensible and I would be deeply disappointed in the Tánaiste and the Labour Party if this were done. I am not here to make any derogatory attacks on the Labour Party or the Tánaiste. He knows that I am not that type of person. However, a few thousand people are suffering terribly as they cannot move from their own homes. The Minister for Health said this would be a huge cut in the budget, but many people will be offended if that remark is not withdrawn.

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