Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I ask the Taoiseach to answer this question directly. He has indicated he will write to the DLCG but will he not meet the group? That is critically what is required. I urge him to do so and to confirm that in the House.

It is not good enough for the Taoiseach to say rights-based legislation of the type sought does not exist in any other jurisdiction. So what? What is wrong with this country taking the lead in terms of a global approach to the needs of people with disability? What is wrong with Ireland setting out best practice and giving a lead in the world on such matters? It is time we did so and had the courage to give leadership in such important issues.

The National Parents and Siblings Alliance estimates that even under the new multi-annual funding programme, it will take until 2021 before the current backlog of people looking for residential care can be accommodated and that does not take into account those who will come on stream in the intervening years. I know a little bit about that on a personal level.

For the Taoiseach to say no Minister here or anywhere would ensure the ring fencing of resources in legislation is not true.

The Government introduced legislation in 2001 pertaining to the horse and greyhound industry that ring-fences revenue raised in that industry.

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