John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As it does around this time every year, Social Justice Ireland launched its budget briefing document - Budget Choices 2017 - yesterday. I wish to draw attention to one particular matter relating to disability. Social Justice Ireland has a practical proposal in its document in respect of the cost of the disability allowance. It is a well-known fact that people with disabilities have extra but ordinary day-to-day living costs. The proposal is for a €20 per week allowance to begin the redress and compensation in this regard. There is no doubt that there are three things we can always say about people with disabilities. First, their incomes will drop and - if it is not already the case - they and their families will go into poverty. Second, there is a loss of expectation for employment, activity and housing. There is also a loss of hope that is brought about by these circumstances. This is a practical measure and I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Social Protection to the House to discuss the matter. This could put some valuable money into the hands of every person with a disability in every corner and parish of the country.

The programme for Government refers to a request for an Oireachtas all-party committee to develop a single long-term vision or plan for health care in the coming ten years. We have the Dáil committee setting. When he was here, the Minister for Health expressed his interest in having participation from Members of this House. He noted the varying expertise and understanding of people from across the House. It is important that the flavour of expertise this House can bring to bear should be represented on that committee in order to assist it, although I recognise that useful and serious work has already been done by the members of the Dáil on the committee.

If possible, it would be timely in the autumn for the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to outline her strong commitment to and the measures that have been taken to ensure the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the timelines associated therewith. This is something about which I am paranoid and, therefore, I would be grateful if the Tánaiste could come in and assist us in respect of this matter.