Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This motion is about providing for those with disabilities and their carers. They deserve so much better than they are getting at the moment. They deserve the quick delivery of the services and support they need. There are more than 500,000 family carers across the State. They are tremendous people who have made great sacrifices in their own lives to care for a family member. They are often the unsung heroes in our society. It is one of the great pleasures of being a TD for Limerick that I have the opportunity to see the work they do and the compassionate way in which they do it. They care for their family members out of a sense of love and compassion but, like all of us, they reach a point of exhaustion. Depending on the challenges faced by the person they care for, their role comes with a lot of stress. Just like those they care for, they need a break. Yet, three quarters of them get no respite whatsoever. In 2022, fewer than 5,200 people received a respite service out of the estimated 20,000 people with intellectual, physical, sensory or autism challenges who are living with their family. This major shortfall should not be allowed to continue.

On Friday, we will vote in a referendum on carers. I will be voting "Yes" despite the limitations of the amendment. If it is carried, as I hope it is, it will be a step in the right direction in terms of recognition for family carers. However, many carers and people with disabilities have huge concerns about the referendum. The Government has made a mess of it. Those concerns will have been heightened by An Taoiseach's comments yesterday on care, which were reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher's infamous statement that there is no such thing as society. Without meaningful change in how we approach disability and the role of carers, a "Yes" vote will mean little to many. Carers and families must be supported. Carers need direct support through the increased provision of respite services. Those with disabilities need more access to services such as home support, personal assistance, day services, therapies and community services. We need a relaxation of the carer's allowance means test and an increase in the disability allowance.

As it stands, the supports for people with disabilities and family carers are inadequate and have been for some time. We have brought forward numerous motions on these issues that have had the well-being of carers and people with disabilities at their core. Rather than deliver in this area, the Government has opted to delay provision and defend its failings. Under a Sinn Féin government, people with disabilities and carers would be prioritised. I commend my colleague Deputy Tully on bringing forward this motion and the work she has done on the issue of disabilities.

See this speech in context