David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

It is curious the Minister of State did not respond to the points I made in rebutting his comments on amendment No. 4. This leads me to conclude that he has no case to make. I suggest, therefore, that he accept the amendment, although I doubt, given the Government's track record to date, that any amendments tabled by the Opposition will be accepted. Nevertheless, we live in hope.

The amendment reflects the Short Title the Bill should be given. The purpose of the legislation should be the provision of assessment and services for people with disabilities, which is what most of it, with the exception of Part 7 entitled "Miscellaneous", purports to do. If the Minister of State wishes to retain the Short Title, "Disability Bill", it is his call to do so given his majority in the House. However, it would not cause the sky to fall in to change the Short Title to reflect the fact that the Bill is for people with disabilities as opposed to being concerned solely with disability. I doubt, however, that the Minister of State has the authority to make such a change.

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