Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I concur with Deputy Connaughton's comments on the facility provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The services are accessible and the staff customer-friendly, or Deputy-friendly at least. I am particularly interested in this Bill because I have worked with people with disabilities for some time, in my previous career as a teacher and for the past 23 years as a politician. I am aware, in particular, that such persons are not always aware of their entitlements.

I have done some research into the origins of the concept of citizen advocacy. One could say it has been around for generations and centuries. Officially, however, it originated in the United States in the 1960s when Professor Wolf Wolfensberger put forward the concept in order to provide a continuity of protection and advocacy for children with cerebral palsy should anything happen to their parents or guardians. In an article written in 1995, Professor Wolfensberger reviewed a set of 22 assumptions that point to citizen advocacy as a valid model strategy. He observed that the need for advocacy and assistance is widespread among people who suffer disadvantage and that the type of advocacy and assistance varies widely. He noted that in some cases, help must come from people with the competencies and resources that the person concerned lacks. All people, he contended, including disabled people, have some important needs that can only be addressed within a freely given voluntary relationship and that the needs of many people with significant difficulties are better met on a long-term basis.

The model of citizen advocacy has since spread to other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Ireland. It is part of the system in many jurisdictions. As the Minister stated, advocacy is a traditional concept linked to the notion of the citizen taking responsibility for himself or herself and for his or her neighbour. Traditionally in rural communities the advocate was usually the local teacher who filled out forms and made essential contacts for people, for which they were highly regarded. Otherwise, the role was filled by an individual in the community adept at writing letters such as the local garda, councillor, Deputy or parish priest. The Bill formalises this tradition. On a daily basis advocacy is still carried out by many, such as parents and teachers. Despite all the services and advisory agencies for people with disabilities, I am amazed people do not know exactly to what they are entitled. I hope the Bill will help to remedy this.

I have some concerns about the Bill. As Deputy Connaughton asked, will the required number of advocates be available for the large number of people who will seek this service? People wishing to avail of the service must apply for it. In some instances of disadvantage, some people would require the assistance of an advocate to apply for the service. Who will apply for these people? It is important to communicate to people that they can apply for the service.

A decision-making process will be in place as to who is entitled to the advocacy service. As a large number of applications will have to be prioritised, will the Minister clarify on what basis this will happen? In some cases it can be difficult for a layperson to determine levels of disability.

The Bill will provide extra functions to Comhairle. Will resources be increased to ensure these functions will be effectively implemented? The Minister referred to standards and that the services will be underpinned with strong values and principles. Will the Minister clarify the guidelines that will be in place for advocates and will they be screened? An advocate could have a working relationship with an individual for a long period. An advocate could be assigned to a person when he or she is very young. Their working relationship could develop over a long period. It is, therefore, important that advocates are well-trained and professional. What provision has been made for the training of potential advocates? Does the Bill contain provisions for in-service training?

I welcome the statutory recognition of citizen information centres. The two I know of in Tralee and Listowel operate effectively at the coalface. At times, people prefer to attend a citizen information centre than attending a Deputy's clinic because they will not feel beholden and it is a public service. Will the Minister ensure the centres are properly resourced and their office environs are welcoming and comfortable? Some centres have not been provided with good accommodation, which is not acceptable for either staff or users.

Despite the services made available to the new Irish — refugees and asylum seekers — they need continued support. While the numbers of refugees entering Ireland has decreased, many have started families and need assistance. Many will seek it from the advocacy service. Has provision been made for this group?

Some people with disabilities or the elderly are unaware of housing grants available to them. A system should be in place where, in some cases of disadvantage, if a person inquires about a grant, a local authority would fill in the form for the applicant.

The new service will come up against the area of psychological assessments for young people. For example, it is accepted that early assessment and intervention is the best way in dealing with most disabilities. Will the Minister clarify where an advocate can go if the service required is not available?

The benefits of citizen advocacy particularly for those with learning difficulties are unambiguous. The long-term nature of citizen advocacy partnerships offers the potential for developing self-confidence and new opportunities for those who may have experienced exclusion for many years. Citizen advocacy schemes, however, present several organisational difficulties. One is the recruitment of enough suitable long-term advocates. Many schemes share this problem, as the pilot scheme in Galway demonstrated. An interruption in this long-term relationship may have a traumatic impact on the user's well-being if it is not handled properly. The relationship between the advocate and the user should be monitored because the advocate may not be suited to the client's needs. Does the Bill provide for monitoring and evaluation of this scheme? It takes a degree of skill to make a good match between the advocate and the user.

Other difficulties surrounding citizen advocacy include the need for a co-ordinator with sufficient time and resources to manage the scheme, the conflict between the relative benefits of an untrained citizen advocate and a more expert casework advocate and the tendency for some advocates to befriend rather than assume an advocacy role. The advocate should be professional and avoid getting too close to the user who could be traumatised by the death or departure of the advocate.

Some health professionals are not inclined to accept the opinion of a lay advocate who, for example, refers a client for a psychological assessment. Has the Minister considered how binding is the advocate's recommendation for a service where available and the relationship between advocates and other professionals?

I welcome this Bill which legislates for what in some cases already exists but for which there will be more need as community relationships continue to break down. This trend began in urban areas and is moving to rural areas. This service will play an important role for people who cannot look after themselves. I compliment the Minister on bringing the Bill forward.

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