Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I take the Ceann Comhairle's point but I did not have an opportunity to speak this morning. I want to put on record my opposition to the way events transpired.

It is important that, when disability groups and people with disabilities ask us to bring forward these amendments, Nos. 103 and 134 in particular, the Minister of State listens to the progressive ideas raised. I do not wish people with disabilities to find this House cold but it is emerging that this will the case. Amendment No. 103 makes the following change:

In page 17, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:

"(f) the adequacy of the service statement.".

Amendment No. 104 in my name and that of Deputy Ó Snodaigh states:

In page 17, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:

"(f) the contents of the assessment report provided to the applicant.".

These are both progressive amendments.

I would like to see a clear and unequivocal right to an assessment of need which will not be resource dependent. Yesterday, we touched on this debate. I also wish that services identified in the assessment for an individual must be provided within a reasonable and agreed timeframe. These are sensible proposals because we have to ensure that specific resources for disabilities are clearly protected. This represents the basis of this debate and these amendments. As over 500,000 people have expressed concerns on this legislation, it is important that these matters are raised in the House.

When addressing these amendments, the service statements and the assessment reports to applicants, it is important to remind ourselves that we are discussing people with disabilities and, in particular, people with disabilities who want to contribute to society but who at present suffer significant discrimination. Of all households headed by a person with a disability, 54.4% live below the 60% poverty line. While the national rate of unemployment has fallen below 4.6%, it is estimated that at least 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed. People with disabilities meet the extra costs of having a disability. The Bill is an opportunity not only to bring people into the mainstream of society, but to deal with the issue of the interaction of poverty and disability, which has emerged in recent years. We must represent such views in the House.

I urge Members to support amendments Nos. 103 and 104 to strengthen the inadequate service statement and the assessment reports for applicants.

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