Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cairns and the Social Democrats for bringing forward this most important motion in such a timely fashion. In particular, I wish to highlight the plight of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association, which is based in the Old Monastery in Killarney and which is run by Ms Marie Linehan. I pay tribute to Mr. Tony Darmody, who gave so much of his time to the organisation over the years. I am asking for the immediate publication of the action plan on the disability capacity review and its inclusion in budget 2023 to ensure that another year does not pass with families and individuals left without any indication of when or how the urgent needs that they are experiencing will be met. An accessible disability budget must be announced in order that individuals with disabilities and their families can understand how many existing and new residential supports, day-care places and respite supports will be provided for in budget 2023, and how this relates to the needs set out in the capacity review. The Kerry Parents and Friends Association is classed as a section 39 organisation. It receives a lot less funding for the organisation and its workers than it would if it were a section 38 organisation, even though it is doing the same work. The association is helping people with disabilities in places like Gneeves, Gullane and Faha whose parents are now in their 70s and 80s. If it were not for this wonderful association, these people would be completely lost. I ask the Minister of State to publish the action plan on the capacity review as soon as possible, so that people know where they are at.

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