The Government has wasted opportunities to improve the lives of disabled people, the Social Democrats have said.
Holly Cairns said ministers have tried to “splash cash around indiscriminately in a brazen attempt to buy votes” rather than investing in disability services in the Budget.
Ms Cairns referred to an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report on Budget 2025 which found reductions in certain cost-of-living policies could increase the number of pensioner and disabled households that are at risk of poverty in the future.
“We all know that this government is in its final days,” she said.
“In the election campaign, the coalition partners will have to defend their record on disability, and, given the way in which disabled people of all ages have been systematically failed, I really don’t know how you’ll do that.”
She added: “Government have wasted opportunity after opportunity to improve the lives of disabled people. The litany of failure is shameful.”
Ms Cairns said her party will not enter into any future government unless there is a senior minister for disability, adding that it is a “dealbreaker” for the Social Democrats.
“We clearly need a full ministry for disability, so the interests of disabled people are actually represented at the Cabinet table because they have been absent for far too long.”
Representing the coalition, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said the government takes the issue of disability services “very seriously”.
He said it has provided additional supports in recent years, adding that 11 special schools have opened since 2020.
“We have 1,300 new special classes being provided across our country and, for this school year alone, over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned, with classes being provided in every county and four new special schools due to open shortly,” he said.
He added that Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s portfolio includes disability.
Mr Donohoe took issue with the charge that Government is “splashing the cash”.
“I assume you’re referring to the cost-of-living measures, so what cost-of-living measure are you against?” he asked.
“Are you against the energy credits? Are you against the change in the domiciliary care allowance? Are you against the changes that we made to support those in receipt of the disability allowance, the invalidity pension, the blind pension?
“Are you against the payments for those who are in receipt of the fuel allowance, or those who are in receipt of the living alone allowance?”
Ms Cairns also highlighted a change of funding arrangements for Scoil Mochua in Clondalkin for children with profound physical and intellectual disabilities.
She said parents are being asked to “bail out” a €125,000 funding gap at the school.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also raised the issue of Scoil Mochua, saying the Central Remedial Clinic’s (CRC) decision to withdraw the €125,000 funding will have a “devastating impact” on the school.
“The school faces a real funding crisis. The funding is being withdrawn with no plan or no pathway to plug the gap.”
Ms McDonald said the withdrawal of funding was made because CRC’s funding comes through a service level agreement with the Health Service Executive, and therefore funding must only be used for disability services.
She said it is “simply not fair” to ask “exhausted and worn-out” parents to fundraise to make up the €125,000 shortfall.
“The staff and board are alarmed for the future of the school and children, and they need a solution. They need a plan. They need their minds put at rest by Government and an assurance of this funding.”
The issues at the school were highlighted in an RTÉ Prime Time broadcast on Tuesday.
Mr Donohoe said €2.9 billion has been allocated to schools providing support for children with additional needs.
With regards to Scoil Mochua, the minister said: “Enhanced capitation rates are available to schools that provide special services, special education support and special classes.
“This is designed to recognise the reality that has been indicated here today of the additional funding needs and additional pressures that schools like this face.”
He said the school is engaging with the Department of Education to find an outcome to issues raised in the programme.
“This Government, with the funding that is available to it, wants ensure that these pupils get the support – care and support they need and deserve – and the teachers get the support they need too.”
