Seanad debates

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

10:30 am

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, for coming in here. I echo the comments of Senator Cassells on the budget, in particular in terms of how it sets out the direction that this Government wants to travel. It was a very clear budget about investing in public services. It was also a very clear budget when it came to supporting small business and for the State to play its role in doing that, but also in tackling the big challenges. Those big challenges include housing and health, dealing with Covid and facing up to the challenges of Brexit. It was interesting that yesterday Sinn Féin did not make any reference to Brexit in its contributions on the budget speech. It is clear that this Government, in particular in terms of the investment through the shared island unit, is about action rather than loud slogans and words.

I wish to speak about some specific measures. My colleague mentioned the investment in arts, sports and community organisations, which will play a really important role in rebuilding communities, and that has to be welcomed. However, I wish to refer to two areas, one is education. There is a very clear investment in the future and in setting out our direction. I refer to the talk about reducing the pupil-teacher ratio and the investment in special needs, but I welcome in particular the improvement in the postgraduate grants.This was something that was cut by the Labour Party. However, in government, we believe that we need to invest in research. This is essential.

Another important issue is the priority we have placed on disability services. We are spending €100 million extra a year on such services. In addition, there is €20 million in funding for voluntary disability services providers. I wish to pay tribute to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Rabbitte, because she has worked damned hard to ensure that money is available, that there is support for school leavers and that respite services are available. When she visited to Wexford, she spoke to the people at St. Aidan's Day Care Centre in Gorey and met other service providers. I am happy with the direction this Government has set out and that it will look after those with a disability - the most vulnerable in our society.

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