Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I wished to highlight some concerns last night during the statements on the budget. However, I was prevented from doing so by an inadequate time allocation provided for such a serious and relevant debate. The refusal to extend the time last night shows once again how the Seanad system is so badly broken. I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed because of the shameful cuts imposed on our young disabled people in the budget. I echo the comments of Senators relating to the drastic reduction in disability allowance for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years and the 20% cut in the fund for students with disabilities at third level.

I acknowledge the Minister, Deputy Noonan's comments on "Prime Time" last night and I welcome the increase in the age of entitlement for disability allowance from 16 to 18 years of age and that the entitlement to domiciliary care allowance will be extended to those aged 18 years in line with this. Parents' groups have been calling for this for several years. However, I have grave reservations about the reduction in weekly payments for disabled people between the ages of 18 and 24 years. While there are no immediate cuts to those already in receipt of disability allowance, all new applicants will be subject to the new regime. Those aged between 18 and 21 years will now received €100 per week.

While many young people with disabilities progress through the education system and secure employment, this is not an option for all. I employ one of these people upstairs, Kevin, my personal assistant in the Seanad. Since this announcement was made on Monday, Kevin has identified what such a cut would have meant to him if it had been introduced as he progressed from education to employment.

One thing the Minister has failed to factor into her logic is the extra costs associated with a disability. This is a real story. It is like Coca Cola, it is the real thing. For someone such as Kevin, who is blind, this would include additional adaptive equipment and software and additional travel costs to name only some. Kevin is certain that if such a cut had been imposed on him, he would have been unable to complete his primary degree or obtain his masters degree.

Many young people in receipt of disability allowance are unable to take up employment opportunities due to the nature and severity of their disability. The argument put forward by the Minister is utterly flawed and marks the unravelling of the good work done to assist people with disabilities. Figures released only last week by the Central Statistics Office show that the number of people with disabilities living in consistent poverty has increased dramatically in recent years. I intend to put together a pledge after the Order of Business and I will e-mail everyone and ask them to sign our pledge because we must get a cross-party motion on this issue and get it through. It is embarrassing for us all.