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

I disagree with some of the tone of my two colleagues in relation to championing. First, let us get a couple of issues off the pitch here. I totally support the rights of all people with disabilities. When I entered into negotiation last year, we got €1.68 billion. That is an increase of €92 million. Second, of course, I accept the Deputies' argument that there are huge problems in Louth. Of course, I accept that it is my responsibility to do something about it. That is the first point - get that off the pitch.

I am open to all practical proposals. Since our last meeting in July, I went back to the HSE and put some of those proposals on the table. Over the past ten days or two weeks, and over the summer period, I have been putting in my own proposals in that regard but I remind Deputies as well that I will need support in there. There is a certain amount in the so-called "pot" and I am pushing for those issues. It is important that I get support from all Deputies in the House.

On respite, I will give the Deputies reassurance here today. The Minister is well aware that respite is top of my agenda when it comes into negotiations and over the past four or five weeks it was on it. I accept that we have problems in Louth. I have problems down in Kerry. I can name the counties where the problems are. Equally, I can name the countries that have the services, and good luck to them. The point is we have to deal with those issues.

From my point of view, I will give a commitment today in the House that I will do my best in pushing that agenda. I will also give the Deputies a commitment that I will come back to them on the debate today. Also, I will need the Deputies' support in relation to these particular issues on the broader political agenda.

It is also important to be aware that within six months of this Government's creation we were the first to restore the respite care grant. There are 121,000 people - some of those families the Deputies are talking about - getting €1,700 to buy their own respite services independently in the meantime until we fix the problems that have been neglected for many years. That is the situation.

As far as I am concerned, every person in the State with a physical or intellectual disability has to be treated the same as the rest of us. Such people and their families should be guaranteed respite services as of right. I will keep pushing that agenda. As for how I get on, I will let people judge that.

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