Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I join colleagues in welcoming the indication by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, on last night's "Prime Time" that he will review the budgetary decision in regard to disability allowance. With due respect to my Independent colleagues, the fact that this review is taking place is positive. While I acknowledge their amendment to the Order of Business, the Government has already pledged action in this area. This is a very disability-aware Administration, which is keen to ensure that the moneys allocated in this area are spent properly.

I tabled a motion on the Adjournment last week in regard to funding for People with Disabilities in Ireland, PWDI, an issue which was raised by several speakers on the Order of Business. I was disappointed that none of them attended the Adjournment debate on this issue, where I discovered that 92% of the funding provided to that organisation was spent on administration. What is needed, and is beginning to happen, is an overall value for money audit in respect of the €1 billion plus allocated to the disability sector. My deep concern is that this money is not being channelled correctly to the end user. We must not have ivory towers built on the backs of people with disabilities. The organisations deserving of State support are those which provide front-line services. We must not have a situation where 80% to 90% of funding is spent on the wages of headquarters staff, administrative costs, travel expenses and so on. That is what has been happening in the disability movement for the last ten to 14 years.