Mr. Ger Deering:

It is still the same problem. We need to find a lead Department, and I respect the work done by the Department of the Taoiseach, and I am glad that it got involved. When I published my report last year, the Taoiseach at the time said he was going to bring together the Departments concerned to progress things. His officials have had a number of meetings and made some progress but, to my knowledge, there still is not a Department that is responsible for delivering this. In any action that is required, the first thing we need to know is which Department is responsible for improving this situation.

The Cathaoirleach mentioned the disability strategies that have been in place. There is another one in the making at the moment. I have been clear in my views that we need action. Of course, we need strategies and plans but in this area we also need action and I believe we need a Department to take responsibility for it.