Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome opportunity to speak about this important budget. While listening to the debate in the past few days I heard many colleagues speak about the need for vision, planning and so on. A programme for a Partnership Government and the budget are big on vision in having a comprehensive implementation plan and providing for a huge investment in health, disability and education services. These are all practical items.

Being in government is not about having power but about using power to effect the changes, provide the opportunities and compassion we need and desire in our society. A Programme for a Partnership Government references a strong economy and a fair and compassionate society for everyone. The budget is about meeting that objective.

On disability services, I welcome the increased allocation provided in budget 2017 to address a number of priorities, as provided for in the programme for Government, including the additional funding of €31 million secured earlier this year. The allocation for disability services will increase to over €1.654 billion in 2017, compared to the €1.562 billion provided in the national service plan 2016, or an increase of €92 million.

The additional funding includes money for pay, as well as to fund development and meet key priorities. The key priorities for me will be the provision of residential and day care places for all adults with disabilities. We must also ensure we deal with speech therapy and occupational therapy issues. These are important services which will be dealt with in the next 12 months. It was an historic moment when €10 million was provided for medical cards for children who qualified for the domiciliary care allowance. This is very important because the measure will benefit more than 6,000 children.

It is important to note the major contribution of the Independent Alliance to the budget, particularly in the extension of medical cards but also in the 25% reduction in the maximum prescription charge from €25 to €20 per month for the over-70s with a medical card. We worked very closely with all of our colleagues on the investment of €50 million in the National Treatment Purchase Fund and, of course, the increase in the social welfare Christmas bonus from 75% to 85% of the full weekly payment. Those who say the budget is not full of practical ideas should note that it is riddled with practical, sensible ideas and based on having a just and compassionate society.

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