David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I commend the proposer of the original motion for raising the Special Olympics and its importance for people with disabilities. I remember vividly the 2003 Special Olympics in this State, and what it was like in my city, Waterford, where many families took in people from all over the world. It was a huge and fantastic occasion for this country, as well as for people with disabilities. It shone a spotlight on the issue and gave us an opportunity to talk about the importance of doing what we can to support people with disabilities and ensuring they have an equal role to play in participation in all facets and strands of life in this country. It was a fantastic occasion.

There is a great deal in the motion I support. I support the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure that quality of life for people with disabilities is enhanced, as I hope all of us do. I also note the importance of Special Olympics and the fact that the participation rate in this country is higher than in other countries. The record of Special Olympics Ireland speaks for itself and, as Senator Reilly did, I commend the organisation. The motion mentions 400 community clubs throughout Ireland and the 15 Olympic-type sports here. There is a significant level of activity in this area for people with disabilities, which is fantastic.

It is the final line in the motion which causes difficulty for me. It commends the Government and the Minister of State with responsibility in this area, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, for their support for Special Olympics Ireland - I do not have a difficulty with that - and for their work in seeking to ensure enhanced quality of life generally for people with disabilities, in particular for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

I remember a debate last year in this House that followed a very emotive "Prime Time" programme. Many Members spoke about how moved they had been. A number of families clearly, intelligently and with emotion, outlined the difficulties they have in caring for their children or loved ones, perhaps an adult child with a disability. There have been a whole raft of cutbacks which, to be fair, have not come only from this Government but also from the previous one. The supports for people with disabilities which should be there are not there in the manner they should be. That was clear, and not only from that programme. Many Senators on the opposite side spoke about how emotive and moving that programme was and said we needed to do more. Subsequently we had a number of debates with the Minister of State in this Chamber. Unfortunately, not much has changed. I have gone to far too many public meetings and events where people with disabilities have spoken about how they do not get from Government financial and other types of support they need. What they are faced with is cutback after cutback.

Our amendment deals with a number of points. Senator Reilly dealt with the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant.