People living with a disability face a double disadvantage. They face lower employment rates combined with a higher cost of living, as the Minister knows. Those living with a disability are entitled to an adequate standard of living, like the rest of us. That standard includes safe, accessible housing, nutritious food, quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, education and access to meaningful employment opportunities. Yet, this Government took the entitlements from them in last year's budget. It did so by withdrawing critical emergency supports for workers and families and through the withdrawal of €1,400 worth of cost-of-living supports for people with a disability. These actions have directly impacted the quality of life of those living with a disability. These actions have been done and maintained despite the pleas of disability rights and campaigning groups and service users. Many of us have met them, whether in here or outside of the Dáil, where they had to protest themselves. Those living with a disability use the maxim "Nothing about us without us". However, when it comes to this Government, it presses ahead with a "Nothing for you regardless" approach. Our motion today is to support those living with a disability. It is supports their families. It is a response to the crippling costs that have been imposed on these families. While the costs remain and increase, the supports disappear. A 2024 Disability Federation of Ireland submission to the Department of Social Protection noted that 44.7% of people unable to work due to a disability experienced deprivation and 27% of them were at risk of poverty. What amazes me is that we know this and this was known to the Government, prior to last year's budget, and yet it still cruelly opted to cut necessary supports. It was a shameful decision that should be reversed by the introduction of an emergency budget with a €500 lump sum for disabled people. When the ESRI appeared before the disability matters committee, which I chair, in November 2025, it referenced a research programme it conducted with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission that estimated the cost of disability is between 52% and 59% of disposable income of disabled households. For those households where a member has severe limitations, this cost increases to 93% of their disposable income, leaving them with absolutely nothing. When we call for a lump sum payment and the introduction of the cost-of-disability scheme, this is not a call for charity. It is a call for justice. It is a call to ensure that every person, regardless of disability, has the right to participate fully in society. It is a demand that the State and the Government recognises the additional financial costs a person with a disability faces. It is a recognition of the cost of medication, the cost of assistive technology and the cost of home modifications. These are all expenses that should not push a family into poverty. It is past time for the Government to reverse these disgraceful cuts. It is past time for reviews and reports. It is now a time for action. It is time to recognise those with a disability for who they are; people who bring great value to our island.

Sentiment score: 0.01