Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the main findings of the cost of disability report was that there is a broad spectrum of disabilities. We all recognise that some people need more support than others.

We all recognise that. There are some people with moderate disabilities who are able to work and some with profound disabilities who we know will never be able to work. That is the reality. The Cost of Disability in Ireland report specifically said it should be targeted at those most in need and that is what the proposal in the Green Paper was attempting to do. I accept there were concerns. It is clear people were not happy with it. I have listened to those genuine concerns and we now have to go back to the drawing board and take a fresh look at this. In fairness, the Taoiseach has put a major focus on this area. We have a Minister of State with responsibility for special education sitting at the Cabinet table. That sends a very strong message of the Taoiseach's commitment. In addition, a new special Cabinet committee on disability has been established. It is important because it means all the key Ministers and Departments have to examine how we look at this in an holistic way across government. Sometimes things can fall between different Departments.

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