Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the committee for having me here. I am pleased to have the opportunity to address it on this Bill, which facilitates the transfer of specialist community-based disability services from the Minister for Health to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Bill was published on 9 February and, as Deputies will be aware, commenced its passage through Second Stage in the Dáil two weeks ago. I welcome the support received in the House for the core principle underlining the Bill, namely, to consolidate and centralise responsibility for disability policy under one Minister and Department. The centralisation of the equality, health and social care dimensions of support for people with disabilities will facilitate the transition from a medical model of support to an holistic, rights-based one that supports people with disabilities to live autonomously.

After the transfer, the HSE will continue to deliver the services and, therefore, the organisation will report to two Ministers on different elements of its functions. The Bill seeks to put in place a legislative basis to ensure that both Ministers have the necessary authority in their respective areas of responsibility. I thank Deputies for their continued support for the Bill.