Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this legislation. I am somewhat confused because only a couple of years ago I participated in the debate on the forerunner to this Bill, when the name of the agency was changed to Comhairle. I remember querying the purpose of that exercise. I could not understand why the name had to be changed nor could I see a benefit to anyone. The purpose of the agency was to dispense information to the widest possible audience in the shortest possible time with a guarantee on the accuracy of the information.

This Bill smacks of being a product of a Government or Fianna Fáil think tank. Having spent too much time in the tank with a build-up of condensation and pressure a need arose to act in the approach to the general election. It was considered that changing the name might be nice and would result in appealing to the public and people with disabilities and give the impression of being about to act.

It is utter hypocrisy for a Government at the eleventh hour to suggest an advocacy service for people with disabilities. The Government has had ample time to take the obvious step and make direct provision for people with disabilities.

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