Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Andrews.

It is safe to say this Bill will be keenly received by all Members of the House. Once again, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, deserves to be congratulated on a worthwhile, beneficial and tidy piece of legislation. There seems to be no end to the enlightened measures emanating from his office, whether it be increases in the fuel allowance or the removal of constraints on the use of free travel passes, to name but two. This Bill will open avenues for people across the State, in particular the disabled whose lives will, I believe, be greatly improved once this legislation is passed.

In publishing the Bill, the Minister rightly identified an anomaly in the ease of public access to information. In response, he reformed the system to enable people get a clear idea of where they stand in terms of State support and wider issues they may come across in everyday life. The Bill will rehabilitate information services across the country. The world can be a bewildering place and it is reassuring to know one will soon be able to pick up a phone, log on to a website or walk into one of more than 230 citizens information centres and gain advice, support or simply basic information on a subject which may be familiar to some, but confusing to others.

For example, I am sure many first-time buyers do not have full details regarding the ins and outs of mortgages, the options available to them or how they will work. It might be discouraging for people to go to a mortgage adviser if they think they might be pressed into doing business without being fully sure of the entire situation. Instead, in the future, they will be able to approach one of the improved citizens information gateways and get a straightforward and impartial explanation without any pressure or fuss. The same stands for many other topics in an expansive range.

Public access to information on services provided by the State is crucial. The hard work we do here every day in this democracy would be wasted if the people were not able to take full advantage of the State due to a lack of awareness. This new service will ensure people can be aware and well-versed in their rights and entitlements. The new citizens information brand presented here will ensure this service is well known and I hope it will become a well-established part of our society.

I used an example of a first-time buyer previously, but others are in more serious need of help which could critically affect their quality of life. Dealing with a disability is extremely difficult not only for those with the disability, but also for their family and friends. It can be harrowing, stressful and sometimes painful. Every Member hears stories of such pressures first-hand at clinics and on the doorsteps. Often, people are left trying to cope without adequate support and they get tired of constantly battling to ensure they have access to all to which they are entitled. This battle will end in victory for the disabled once this Bill is passed. It will legislate for the creation of an advocacy service for the disabled which I firmly believe will make a tremendous difference to those affected by a disability.

With this Bill on the Statute Book, disabled persons who approach the citizens information board will be assigned a personal advocate who will represent, assist and support them in ensuring they receive in full everything to which they are entitled. The advocate will be trained and knowledgeable about the social welfare system. They will be dedicated to the people they represent. This will relieve unnecessary stress for the disabled and their families, who will be assured of independent, professional advice. It will ensure an improved quality of life and allow people to concentrate on fulfilling their potential as individuals and citizens of this State.

The Government has committed itself to fully addressing the needs of the disabled and this is a major landmark and integral part of that commitment cemented in the national disability strategy. In 2005 alone, approximately €3 billion was spent on addressing disability issues, compared to €800,000 million in 1997. In addition, €2 billion was spent on income supports for people with disability, illness and their carers. This is a significant financial outlay, which I hope will continue to grow.

Ireland is changing at a fantastic rate and this legislation is practical recognition of this on the part of the Government. The restructuring of the citizens information board, including a reduction in the number of members and an increase in their period in office, will help ensure that the provisions contained in this Bill are put into operation to the maximum effect and fostered so they are maintained at the highest level.

This is the position not only in terms of the personal advocacy service, but the broader citizens information strategic plan intended to run to 2009. The board will work closely with the Government in implementing this plan, which is built on the four strategic priorities of integrated information, service delivery, advocacy and social development and accessibility. It was developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including statutory and voluntary bodies, Departments, State agencies and the board and staff of Comhairle. This plan will affect everyone in the State and future immigrants to Ireland. It will affect those struggling with the terrible burdens of poverty, illness and disability.

A total of €55 million will be provided to the board over the next year and everyone will agree this will be money well spent. The focal point of this reform plan, the personal advocacy service, will be given additional funding. I am eager to see this initiative offered complete financial support, so it can reach its full potential. This Bill could make a world of difference to individuals, families and households across the country and I wholeheartedly commend it to the House.

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