Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

This issue has been brought forward as a matter of urgency. As politicians, we must deal with people with disabilities. It is absurd that this legislation, of which the Taoiseach denied any knowledge a few weeks ago, can be rushed through the House, while people with disabilities are being ignored. It was only last year, when the Special Olympics took place here, that the Taoiseach claimed he was responsible for everything. However, that matter has been ignored and this issue is now being addressed.

I made it clear at the outset that Fine Gael is not opposed to this issue, rather it is concerned about the way in which it is being addressed. I represent a Border area and I have a keen interest in the peace process. However, there are those on the benches behind me who, from time to time, try to make out that I am not committed to the peace process. They should consider my record of involvement in farming and other organisations over the years. I know people in every county in Northern Ireland.

The peace process, the Anglo-Irish Agreement and the Good Friday Agreement came about on the basis of trust and open discussion. I was alarmed to learn that the leader of the SDLP, a group which was one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement, was not properly consulted on this matter.

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