Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the third question, there is no promised legislation on that matter. A question to the Minister would allow her to elucidate what policy intent she has in that area, given that the matter has arisen recently.

On the second question, presumably all employment is in accordance with employment law. I am not aware of the arrangements but sometimes sheltered employment or training might not be covered by that legislation. I am not sure of the position but there is obviously a training element involved, as distinct from employment, for some people in the disability sector.

The Disability Bill is part of the national disability strategy which, over time, will deliver high quality support services for people with disabilities. The Bill is also part of the multi-annual investment programme announced in the budget. This is a unique and unprecedented move to provide high priority disability services. No Government can say more than state that it will do everything it can to ensure these issues are dealt with. This legislation has been in gestation for three or four years and it is important now to enact it and get on with providing the improved services, based on existing resources of over €2.5 billion and the €900 million six year strategy announced in the budget.

We have given a commitment to review the legislation after five years. It is important now to proceed with what is proposed. The Government has listened to everybody with an interest in this issue and has sought to accommodate all the proposals made, as far as possible. We are now anxious to proceed. As I said when making my Budget Statement, the Opposition's performance in this area during its time in Government left much to be desired.

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