Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 5, to delete lines 31 to 36 and in page 6, to delete lines 1 to 8.

I was not satisfied with the answers given by the Minister of State during a lengthy Committee Stage debate on a similar amendment. Usually a Bill automatically enters into force when it is signed by the President. Under the current provisions, the Minister may delay the Bill or introduce it in a piecemeal fashion if the Government so decides. While I accept a combination of factors must come together to form what the Minister of State describes as the disability strategy, it is unacceptable to give the Minister control over the timing and manner in which these elements are to be introduced. It would be wrong, for example, not to introduce the sectoral plans as quickly as possible because the Minister has the power to delay them as this would also delay the allocation of the limited resources available under the Bill. It is inappropriate to include such a provision. The legislation should take effect as soon as the President signs it, as is the case with all other Bills. A piecemeal approach towards implementing it will damage whatever benefits are available.

I hope Deputies will not need to ask the Taoiseach month after month when the Disability Act will be implemented and when the Minister will sign the order. The Bill should be rolled out as soon as it is signed into law and then we can see what are its implications.

While the mechanism for delay is unnecessary, I understand the reason it has been included. If, for instance, the Minister is not certain that everything he has indicated will become available, it is understandable that he will need to protect himself from an early onslaught as people discover the Bill does not do that which he claimed. The purpose of the amendment is to address this issue.

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