John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In the nine months during which I have had the privilege of heading up my office, I met all the groups to which I refer and I made it clear to them that the Government's commitment to those with disabilities remains intact. In ensuring that facilities will be provided, I will be dealing specifically with the areas of special needs, transport, housing, education and, most importantly, employment.

I hosted a press conference - which was attended by very few people - at which I provided information on the Government's strategy on mental health, as outlined in A Vision for Change. I will be doing something similar in the near future in respect of the area of disability. I will be inviting people to participate in the process that will lead to my drawing up the five-year programme to which I referred earlier.

The Government has made a commitment to delivering in respect of those with disabilities and special educational needs by means of the national disability strategy. It also made a commitment to provide the best possible assistance in the context of addressing the needs of those with disabilities. I will not list the issues to which the Government amendment refers but it is important to reflect on what has occurred in recent years.

I know I will not convince Opposition Members with regard to my point of view but I would like the public to retain its belief that the Government's commitment to the areas of disability remains intact. Overall, the health service spends approximately €2.6 billion on disability programmes such as those relating to residential day care, respite care and assessment.

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