Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Disability is another issue that seems to have eluded the Government in terms of a solution. It is another one of those issues that requires caring and progressive policies. The Taoiseach is keen to tell us about the wonderful job he is doing restoring the country’s economic success. When one scratches the surface of the issues that are important, however, such as housing, health, education and disability, he and the Government are failing miserably.

It is not a coincidence that these issues are those that affect the less well-off in our society the most. There is a clear theme running through the work of the Government, particularly in the attitude of the Taoiseach. This theme impacts the issues that require thoughtful policies and will provide empathy to people in our society who are challenged. It is not a priority for the Government, however. According to the Taoiseach, the homeless figures are not the worst when compared to other countries. His solution for the provision of social and affordable housing is to invest hundreds of millions of euro in housing assistance payment, HAP. The blame for the problems in our health system is landed at the doors of our doctors, consultants and nurses. Despite our so-called economic prosperity, no progress has been made in education either.

Regarding section 39 workers, the Taoiseach wants cash-starved disability organisations, hospices and other voluntary agencies to solve the problem for him. Based on the evidence I have offered, it could be claimed that the Government just does not get it. I argue, however, that it does get it. It is just that it is stuck in a right-wing ideology time warp where ordinary people do not matter and all problems must be solved by market forces.

We in Fianna Fáil fundamentally disagree with this. It is a key difference between our two parties. When the people get their chance to make their decision on the Government in due course through the ballot box, these issues will influence their decision.

Section 39 health organisations provide vital health services to society and local communities across the country. Under the Health Act 2004, there are section 38 and section 39 organisations. Employees of section 38 organisations are public sector workers and, therefore, will receive pay restoration. Section 39 employees, however, are not technically public sector workers. Traditionally, they have been paid the same as employees of section 38 organisations and the public sector. The HSE communicated with section 39 organisations that a cut in funding was to be applied to each organisation's payroll. While a process of pay restoration has commenced, many organisations remain on a financial cliff edge. If we are to maintain an effective service for those with disabilities, those who work in section 39 organisations must be recognised and treated like all other HSE employees with their pay and conditions restored.

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