Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I also record Sinn Féin's opposition to the proposal that we proceed with the 33 amendments which are broadly technical in nature and do absolutely nothing to address the fundamental flaws in the Disability Bill identified by the disability legislation consultation group, a body established by the Government. Hence, it is absolutely bizarre that the House is proceeding with the legislation which has proceeded through both Houses and is now back in the Dáil. As I stated, there are 33 amendments, none of which addresses any of the substantive inadequacies of the Bill in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Sinn Féin would have been happy to address the Bill on its return from the Seanad if the amendments reflected the recommendations of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities but sadly that is not the case. Accordingly, we must oppose this proposal.

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