Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is entirely correct, which is why it is so important that things like the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities is implemented in full. It is the commitment of the Government to do that. The Deputy is right. People with disabilities that the Deputy and I meet do not just want the State to provide them with a support and say "there you go". They want to be able to get on with their lives and be empowered to do so. When one reads the report published by Professor Ruane and the group in April, it is very clear that one of the reasons why people were often afraid to access the workplace was because they could not manage without that medical card because it is a passport for many other services. I am very pleased to accept the recommendation in full. I expect the new income disregard to be brought in by the end of the year. That, coupled with the removal of the necessity for the work to be rehabilitative in nature, should, hopefully, help fulfil two very important recommendations and make a real difference to people with disabilities.

See this speech in context