Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach for his comments and continued focus and priority on disability matters. A cross-departmental approach is the only way we will improve disability services and the lives of those affected by disability. I am heartened to hear of progress on the work programme being worked on currently and that a new strategy document will be prepared. However, I have a question about progress in workstream 15 in the current action plan for disability services. It focuses on a strength and drive to support people with disabilities to live a life of their choosing. I recently met a mother representative of many other mothers and carers in Meath West and the nation who want their children to live as independently as possible so that when the parents are no longer around, their disabled children can fend for themselves as much as possible.

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