Anne Rabbitte: Massive disability investment not translating to services

Minister says she is an an advocate for people with disabilities across Government

Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Picture: Jim Coughlan

“I’m done fighting, I can’t do it anymore.” That’s what a mother said to me at a recent meeting about disability services. The sad thing is, it’s not the first time I’ve been told this and yet it never stops having an effect on me.

When the Taoiseach appointed me the Minister for Disability in July 2020, I was surprised to learn that the vast majority of the €2.1 billion for disabilities had largely focused on the provision of residential places and day services. These are absolutely crucial supports and investment in these areas will continue, and indeed more is needed. But other areas need attention at the same time. Over my two budgets to date, I have tried to reorient the funding, with a particular focus on respite and the recruitment of clinicians to deliver therapies, as well as bolstering the number of Personal Assistant hours people can access.