Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleagues, I sympathise greatly with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I am very upset to hear she is still unwell.

I thank Senators Averil Power and Darragh O'Brien for tabling the motion. It covers an area in which we all have a great interest. I am sorry there are not more Members present; I do not know where they are. We know we are in hard times and face considerable challenges and problems, but, as other speakers have said, there is nothing more important than protecting the most vulnerable in society, which is why we are here.

Rather than being highbrow, I will just focus on some reality stories of people I have encountered in recent months and the problems encountered. Not all of I will say will be critical of the Government and its performance in this area. The motion is very broad and deals with a considerable variety of issues relating to disabilities. Consequently, I contend the Government is doing very well in certain areas when it comes to protecting people with disabilities. However, there have been times when it has let itself down very badly. At other times, its good work is not being communicated properly. There is a lack of joined-up thinking across various Departments and even within Departments which is a symptom right across government, not alone in the area of disability.

The time of the respite care grant cut last December was one of the most depressing any of us has ever spent in the Seanad. It was my view at the time and remains my view that the Government showed a lack of compassion and comprehension of what the payment meant to families and the unnecessary stress and pain caused to families in the intervening months. I could spend time discussing a week in the life of a Jack & Jill Children's Foundation family; suffice it to say we all know people affected by the cut. As I always say, we are all so lucky because one does not really know the reality unless one is a member of the affected families. We could all use the term "elitist" in respect of ourselves unless we went to somebody's house and just said we cut the grant.

I hope that when the budget is announced in mid-October, it will be completely proofed. That is why we are here. I hope it will be completely proofed against savage, unjust measures such as the respite care grant cut we witnessed last year. If we have to cut something in the area if disability, please let it not be anything on the front line. I hate even saying that, but I am just trying to think of something. Senator Martin Conway spoke about administrative costs and salaries in the many disability services. Advocacy is the only area I can think of that might be subject to a cut if we have to cut something.

Delays in processing disability allowances and the carer's allowance which comprise a well seasoned problem have been discussed over and over. I am certain that the Minister of State will tell us that there has been an improvement in application processing rates and that any delay is caused by an increased volume of applications. I believe the Minister of State in respect of an improvement, but it is not being felt on the ground. I have a letter on my desk upstairs from a Jack & Jill Children's Foundation family. Such families comprise the majority of my constituents. Has anybody looked after a baby with a disability who takes 20 hours per day to mind? Applicants must take 11 items into account, including documentation on one's mortgage, proof of marriage and documents that even those of us without a child with a disability could not readily find. Applicants have 20 working days in which to find the documentation. They receive a letter to this effect before they can renew their medical cards. There has to be a way, but we are fighting all the time. I have tabled an amendment on the subject.

There is a lack of joined-up thinking. I am aware of the case of the young lady with a disability who is going to study in the United Kingdom this year to better herself. This is great news. As she is a good citizen, she has already communicated to the disability service that she does not need her allowance and needs to be transferred to an education allowance. She has gone to Edinburgh, but her disability allowance has been cut, although her education allowance has not come through. She should not have been a good citizen; she should have allowed the disability allowance to continue until she received the other one. We now have a citizen who has gone to better herself by way of further education in Edinburgh and who will have to endure at least two months without any contribution from the State. She is asking for her education allowance. What is she to do for two months?

On the topic of the disability allowance, I am aware of two cases of blind people who have secured employment. I wish to be upbeat about people with disabilities. Senators will all know Kevin who works for me. He is a magnificent person who has taught me so much. One or two of the people to whom I refer are friends of his who have gained employment.

The disability section asked to be informed by letter but these people are blind so they cannot write letters. They asked those in the service if the submissions could be made by e-mail but they do not accept confirmation in that way. I need not go on and what I am saying is almost laughable. It is a true story but it demonstrates a waste of administration time. I know sometimes we do not like e-mail because of the possibility of fraudulent activity. Perhaps we should not even mention that.

There is a disturbing case of a child in Donegal who is leaving the children's system to go to the adult system. The parents were told there are no services left. The child's parents are strong people and once this process started, they contacted the people involved in the services. To make a long story short, there were services available and, although I hate to say it, the HSE and the Government were telling lies. I could tell the proper long story in this regard, as the people were told there were budget restrictions or no spaces available. At one stage they were told three days were available but in the end, a five-day service is available for the child. Why are there such discrepancies in the system?

Thank God we are putting a regulator in place as we need to examine the administration costs. The charity sector is getting €4 billion and Senator Conway addressed some of the issues. The Minister is representing us at the Cabinet table and should think carefully before we act in such a way as to affect any of these people.