Joe Callanan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this Bill which provides for a high quality, consumer-focused integrated information service on all aspects of social and civil services to assist people in securing their rights and entitlements. It provides for the drawing together of three separate existing channels of information under one clearly visible and easily accessible brand name, citizens information. It provides for the delivery of a one-brand citizens information service through more than 230 citizens information centres, the Internet and a single telephone number and the harnessing of new emerging technologies to further improve and expand the availability of information. It delivers a commitment to increasing funding to allow the new citizens information board to increase, improve and expand information services and additional funding for the development and facilitation of advocacy services which will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate for persons with disabilities to assist them in overcoming barriers to full participation in society.

The Bill provides for the appointment of a director of personal advocacy services who will be responsible for the management and control of the service and arrangements for an independent appeals process if the applicant is dissatisfied with the decision regarding his or her eligibility for the assessment of a personal advocate. It provides for the undertaking of nationwide high profile information and awareness campaigns by the citizens information board on specific social services and welfare issues and an increased and targeted emphasis on the provision of a clear and accessible information for all immigrants in respect of their rights, entitlements and supports.

This Bill will make people with disabilities aware of their rights to different schemes, such as the disabled person's grant which is administered by local authorities and provides for alterations to dwellings, such as a downstairs bedroom and en-suite bathroom and central heating, for suitable applicants. The motorised transport grant provides an allowance towards the cost of adapting a car to suit a person with a disability. The Bill will put a strong onus on all local authorities to ensure that wheelchair-accessible footpaths are constructed to make all public places more accessible.

I compliment the Government on taking seriously the funding of facilities for people with special needs, but there is much more to do. We must ensure that residential and respite care is available to people when they need it. The major question in the minds of elderly parents with a son or daughter with special needs is who will look after their child if anything happens to them. We must assure these people that the necessary facilities will be in place and ensure that there are special education facilities as many children with special needs can do extremely well at school. We must ensure that people with disabilities are allowed to take up employment if they so wish. There is a reluctance among employers to employ people with disabilities, which we must get over. This reluctance may be related to insurance and other matters but the Government must ensure that employers employ people with disabilities who want to work.

I compliment the Minister on his work in respect of carers because this issue is very much tied up with disability issues. The discarding of €580 of income means that many more people can now receive the carer's allowance. When people came to our clinics years ago and asked us whether they would qualify for the carer's allowance, we had to politely and gently inform them that there was no way they would qualify for it. A considerable number of people who now attend our clinics receive the carer's allowance.

The Irish Wheelchair Association has lobbied us from time to time to mainstream the employment of their carers. Most of its people are employed through FÁS and, unfortunately, when three years have elapsed, the person minding them must leave. A bond exists between the person with a disability and his or her carer so it is difficult for a new person assuming the carer's role. I ask that the employment of such people, particularly in the Irish Wheelchair Association, be mainstreamed. The cost involved cannot be that high and it is very important that such mainstreaming takes place.

I compliment the Minister on the significant work he has carried out in the area of disability and caring for the elderly. He is a caring Minister, which is not surprising given that he is from County Galway.

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