Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to join with colleagues in complimenting the wonderful sportspeople of all codes who gave so much enjoyment to all of us as citizens over the weekend. In particular, I wish every success to our two great Irish golfers this afternoon. I have no doubt that people throughout the country will be glued to the television screens to watch their progress. It is amazing and wonderful that a young person of 22 years would lead the British open at this stage. A great American golfer referred to him this morning as the greatest golfer he had never heard of. We wish Paul Dunne and Pádraig Harrington all the best this afternoon.

As we head into an improving economic situation, I feel the Government should be targeting additional resources, as they become available, for people with disabilities. I would like to see some of the necessary cuts that were made during the recession restored. The weekly payment to people with disabilities should be regarded as a priority. Most important, the respite grant should be restored to pre-recession rates because that grant is required in that it gives assistance to parents and carers who are under pressure. Another issue that needs to be addressed is making all employment activation programmes eligible to people with disabilities. As it stands, the Intreo offices are not providing a comprehensive service to people with disabilities. Some of the programmes arising from the Youth Guarantee scheme are not open to young people on disability and illness payments, nor is the Momentum programme.

In light of the fact that one in ten adults of working age has a disability, we need to have a discussion in the autumn with the Minister of State as to how we can target some additional resources to people with disabilities in a way that will make a real difference to their lives.