Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 24 of the programme for Government contains a commitment to a review of the legislation for people with disabilities, and states:

As part of this review, we will move a proportion of public spending to a personal budget model so that people with disabilities or their families have the flexibility to make choices that suit their needs best. Personal budgets also introduce greater transparency and efficiency in funding services.

Given that people were picketing the House two weeks ago because of the absence of any commitment to those behind the independent living movement and the absence of any resources, can the Taoiseach indicate when we will have an outcome in terms of the comprehensive spending review, as outlined in the programme for Government? I refer particularly to the commitment to ring-fence a proportion of public spending to fund the personal budget model for people with disabilities. Finally, has the Taoiseach come to any conclusion on foot of the examination of various mechanisms to promote the recognition of Irish Sign Language in line with a commitment in the programme for Government?

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