James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies O'Rourke and O'Dea for introducing this legislation, the aim of which is to improve the lot of people with disabilities in the context of obtaining grants. There is a crisis across the disability services sector in the context of access to those services. I refer here to delays in respect of respite, home care, home help and home adaption grants. Such delays affect the most vulnerable in society. People with disabilities are increasingly being affected by poverty and social exclusion. They want to live full, fulfilling and engaged lives and can do so with the right supports. The Government continues to hinder access to the necessary supports for these people. That makes little or no sense. It certainly makes no economic sense because the State must pick up the tab when people with disabilities and vulnerable individuals are not supported.

There is also the failure of the Government to act on Fianna Fáil's and Deputy O'Dea's proposal to allow home care to be provided under the fair deal scheme - a sound and important idea - because it is of the view that this would be a false economy. Instead of empowering people to live at home and have an better quality of life, their disabilities are being compounded by the lack of services available. I compliment Wexford County Council. It does a fantastic job of providing services when it can, but it is clearly not being given the necessary resources to allow it to offer timely supports. People with disabilities want to live at home. It is effective for them and good for their quality of life and their mental health. It is also effective for the State. The Minister needs to take action in respect of the legislation before the House.

See this speech in context