Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats)

Senator Flynn mentioned being all talk and no action and the idea people think they are coming into the Oireachtas for a photo opportunity. It is so bleak and so true. We all have a responsibility to do more when we talk about inclusion by actually practising it. That is true across the disability committee and all committees, in ensuring the voices of disabled people are platformed in those spaces. Disability rights issues cut across every forum, whether transport, infrastructure, healthcare, education or even foreign affairs. It is important we note that.

I am very supportive of Senator Clonan's Bill. It will bind the Government to its obligations to provide essential services for people with disabilities. I am happy Ireland will have the opportunity to align with the rest of Europe on its commitments to rights-based legislation for all citizens and shed its reputation, I hope once and for all, as one of the worst places to be a disabled person in Europe. The fact you can have an assessment of need in Ireland, find out about all the things that would help you, make your life easier and support you in living a fulfilled life, and that those services currently are not even actioned on, is shocking. It is like telling someone, "This is the way things could be better for you but, I'm sorry, we're not going to follow through." I hope this legislation will be pursued and will address and put a stop to that practice.

It is sad to say that even this year we have seen a stripping-back of disability services in the most recent budget and that 2026 will be a particularly difficult year for people living with a disability as one-off payments have been removed. In Ireland, being disabled is incredibly expensive. On top of the usual costs we all have, a disabled person must spend another €10,000 to €15,000 per year on things like taxis, because public transport is unreliable - sometimes there is one space for a wheelchair on a given train service and it has to be booked far in advance - on medicine and medical needs, accessibility aids at home and home adaptations. That means their entrance fee to participate in life in Ireland is much higher than for the rest of us. They are faced with barriers to healthcare, education, employment and transport.

I think most people would agree that, quite frankly, disabled people are being fleeced in many ways. In order for people with disabilities to participate fully in our society, it is imperative that all services they attend address the diversity of their needs. It is not enough for the HSE to shrug its shoulders and say, "We're sorry. We can't fulfil your specific needs. It's too expensive. It's too complex. It's too much hassle for us." I know there are amazing service providers in the HSE who wish they could do more but the options are not there for them because of the cost of services and because this is not prioritised.

Disabled people should no longer hear, "We'll get to it as soon as we have time." People with disabilities cannot afford to wait for their needs to be considered. We have heard from the Disability Federation of Ireland that disabled people have a much higher risk of poverty and deprivation. If you are unable to work due to disability, you are four times more likely than the national average to live in consistent poverty. We have shameful rates when it comes to people with disabilities in employment and supported employment opportunities. That is true across the island and there is much more work that can be done through an all-island approach to supported employment.

I wonder why it cannot be a function of Government agencies to just say, "Yes, we'll help you. We'd be delighted to. We've got the resources. We've got the will and we're going to do it." to those in our society who deserve support the most. The Government grants tax breaks and kickbacks to rich property developers and multinational fast food conglomerates. I know the Minister of State might not agree with that but that is what we saw in the most recent budget. It makes the failures for people with disabilities so much more insulting and shameful. I recognise that was not the Minister of State's brief when the budget came through.

People with disabilities are not asking for the world; they are simply asking for the same rights the rest of us have. They want to be able to contribute meaningfully to society and live fulfilled lives like we all do; currently in Ireland, that is not happening. Disability services are not things the Government can offer by way of patronising piecemeal handouts. People with disabilities have a basic right to advance through education, to pop into town to meet up with friends, to access healthcare screenings and to get a job, should they wish. They should have the right to live independently, if they choose to, and to codesign policies that consider their needs and opinions.

Disability rights are basic human rights and must be enshrined in legislation. That is why I am delighted to support Senator Clonan's Bill. He has been a consistent advocate for disability rights throughout his time as a Senator. We cannot have resilient communities or communities that prosper if a huge proportion of them are excluded from meaningful inclusion.