Mr. Damien O'Reilly:

On the reference to institutionalisation, I cannot understand this approach from the Government because by institutionalising people with disabilities, it is taking away their rights. On top of that, it costs far more to have a person with disabilities in residential care than to have them in the community with appropriate supports. That way they can live in the community with their rights respected and can participate as equals.

The Deputy mentioned the motion I submitted to Cavan County Council. I am a member of Independent Living Movement Ireland, ILMI. I lobbied and got that motion passed in Cavan as it was part of a national ILMI campaign throughout the country. People from different areas lobbied their councils and got the motion passed. Almost every county council in the country has passed it now, which is a great achievement. I hope that answers the Deputy's question.