Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I thank Deputy Jim O'Callaghan for his comments. I assure him I am trying to become an irritant in the different Departments. In the recent debate about Irish Sign Language he made the point about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While I will be the advocate for this in the Cabinet, this issue is important for all members of the Government.

The heads of the Bill dealing with the deprivation of liberty safeguards will be published and there will be a broad discussion on that. I will raise with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, the issue of ensuring easier access to elections for people with disabilities. Over recent weeks, I have been working on a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities. Difficulties with transport and accessibility to the workplace are an issue. I will be bringing this to the attention of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. We must ensure everyone with a physical and intellectual disability can vote like the rest of us and there are no barriers in their way.

Last Friday, I attended the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland resource centre in Clonshaugh. It raised the issue that loos in public offices are not often designed for people with a physical disability. We must also ensure legislation is implemented. There is no point in passing legislation if public offices are not accessible to people with disabilities. There is a broader issue that if we are serious about an inclusive and just society, we must ensure all people with disabilities are treated like everyone else. They are not looking for anything more but the equality and their rights as citizens.