Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I know that, like the Chair, he is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. I agree that we need to have a broader view, as the Deputy said earlier when he spoke about the optional protocol. Of course, I will have discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of this issue.

It is unacceptable that there are polling stations which are not accessible. If we are talking about having an inclusive democracy, we need to do something about this. I will push this issue as well.

The Deputy touched on the important broader issue of respite, about which I spoke earlier. An extra €10 million was provided for respite a few months ago to try to ensure services are provided. As he said, older parents in their 70s, 80s and 90s who are caring for their children, who are now adults with intellectual disabilities, are wondering where they will go when they pass away. I have heard about such cases in Cork and from my colleagues in the Dáil. We have to address that system. I am banging on the door as part of that. I am looking for 400 emergency residential places to deal with these situations. Last year, I managed to get emergency funding for 135 places. Having listened to what the Deputy has said today, and having listened to colleagues right across the Dáil, I have decided that 400 places are needed. That is something I have to push for.

I have a long-term objective for services for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. Every state and every society should have a plan for children and adults with disabilities from the cradle to the grave. This links in with the debate we had earlier about the multi-annual approach. A plan is needed for people with disabilities. There was a row when I was looking for funding for places for 18 year olds. There is never a similar row about people in the non-disabled community. They automatically go to primary school, to secondary school and to college if they have enough points. There is no debate about it, but I need to have a discussion and a row about getting money to ensure that 18 year olds with disabilities can get adult services. That is part of this debate. We need to plan the service from the cradle to the grave.

I was in Cuba a couple of years ago. Many of the members of the committee will not agree with this, although Deputy Ó Laoghaire probably will.