Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to conclude this grouping. The Disability Bill should be about equality, respect and the rights of all those with disabilities. Sadly, for me it is about creating a cold house for 8% of our citizens. On the DLCG and the question of partnership, it is important that the Minister of State listen. Will he invite the groups that left — NAMHI, NPSA and the Forum of People with Disabilities — back to the talks? NAMHI must represent most of the parents; I am affiliated to it through my membership of the Down's Syndrome Association. Most of the 26,000 people in NAMHI are either parents or people with disabilities. I will have another swipe at the other organisations by pointing out that they are service providers who depend on Government money and finance. The parents' groups and those with disabilities themselves have more freedom to speak out strongly on the question of the legislation's weakness. I remind the Minister of State that, as we speak, those groups are either outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or planning to march on it to be here at 1.30 p.m. for the vote.

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