Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I too welcome the budget and the overall debates that will take place this afternoon and tomorrow. Like others, I call for a sector-by-sector debate on the different areas to give us an opportunity to drill down into specific areas. There are many good measures that we will not have the opportunity to discuss in the overall budget statements, particularly in the area of disability. I reiterate my call for a debate on disability, particularly the plan announced recently, but specifically on the provisions in the budget.

There does not seem to be the best of welcomes from some of the disability advocacy groups to the announcements today. Maybe it has not been explained properly, so a debate in the House on the budget provisions might bring some clarity. It is regrettable to see the Disability Federation of Ireland and others not welcoming the budget - on the contrary. The devil is always in the detail with these things. Perhaps there will be clarity when the Minister for public expenditure comes to the House for his section tomorrow. It would be a good idea to have a debate on disability when the Leader can organise to bring the Minister in. It would be useful as a means of bringing clarity. Perhaps what is needed is a little explanation and clarity.