Seanad debates

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

10:30 am

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Along with Senator Dolan, I wish the raise the issue of the budget choices launched by Social Justice Ireland yesterday. It is hoped that this report will be studied, listened to and acted on in all the deliberations as the Government prepare for budget 2017. Ireland faces major challenges. There are challenges that have been constant, such as poverty, inequality and homelessness, but others will emerge and are emerging now as a result of the Brexit vote. Social Justice Ireland is committed to a just society and recognises the need to invest in public services. The current investment is far below what is required for infrastructure and services if it is to be close to the EU average. For example, in the years of the downturn, the devastation wreaked across Europe led to cuts of 15% but across Ireland, the absolute devastation wreaked led to cuts of 39%. I have spoken to Social Justice Ireland and focus particularly on health care and disability services. My own area of Dublin South Central is above the national average in terms of the number of people with disabilities. Cutbacks from 2008 to 2014 are most aversely affecting people on low incomes. There are long waiting lists, increasing prescription charges, a change to the threshold on the drug repayment scheme and so on.

I have listened to and I support the proposals outlined in Social Justice Ireland's document. I would like to see the provision of additional support for older people to live at home and additional support services to meet the demographic pressures that are coming and will be more to the fore in the years to come. An additional €30 million has been suggested for disability services and €42 million has been suggested to improve mental health services and progress the implementation of A Vision for Change. I urge the Minister and the Department of Health to consider Social Justice Ireland's prudent and independent proposals when drawing up budget 2017, with the overriding guiding principle of delivering a prosperous, cohesive and just society.

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