Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to address the sectoral plans in accordance with section 31(6) of the Disability Act 2005. I welcome any plans for strategies that assist our disabled people. I was elected on a strong disability platform and in this debate I strongly support all the disability groups and urge the Minister to listen to the recommendations and submissions made by them. I thank and commend the groups for their magnificent work in our society in the past ten to 15 years.

I remind Members that people with disabilities have rights, including the right to decent, quality services. We are not facing up to this fact at present. Plans are all very well but we need clear strategies on implementation. Any democratic and just society must put jobs, health care and supports for the disabled at the top of the political agenda. The debate about resources is over. We have the resources and finances. The Government must now get on with the job.

I find it amazing and unacceptable that a service such as St. Michael's House has 296 people on its residential waiting lists, over 74% of whom live on the north side of Dublin. To resolve this issue, St. Michael's House seeks to reduce its waiting list and provide an additional 70 places per year, which would not require much money or resources. St. Michael's House had a deficit in 2006 of €1.5 million and it is under pressure to reduce services to balance its budget. I ask the Minister and the Government to take action in this regard. St. Michael's House has been awaiting the implementation of the Harmon plan since 1999. It needs 59 extra staff to resolve these issues, which are very important.

I strongly supported the Disability Federation of Ireland in its recent pre-budget submission. I urge the Minister to listen to the federation with regard to two core issues. First, the Government should invest €50 million to address the residential needs of adults with significant disabilities who are inappropriately accommodated at present. Second, the Government should have the courage to invest €25 million in budget 2007 for home support, respite care, personal assistants and day care places for adults with significant disabilities.

This is an important issue. We must respect the rights of the disabled but we must also ensure they have proper jobs, health care and respect.

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