Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response, but I am extremely disappointed. This is a serious issue and it was important to discuss it here today. To be honest, I do not care whose remit it comes under. Deputy Deenihan is the Minister and I believe he can intervene and appeal to him to do so. He can, at least, discuss the issue with the council to find out what else it will do to support people with disabilities.

This is not a normal cut to funding. This 11% cut is not in line with the cut to the Arts Council. I see it as a slash and burn approach and yet again it is people with disabilities who are getting burned. Across all Departments, there seem to be serious cuts to services for people with disabilities. This is unjust and unacceptable. I know the Minister recognises this is wrong and I appeal to him once again to intervene on this important issue.

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