Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for giving me the opportunity to say a few words. I and my colleagues will be supporting the motion. On entering this House, one of my first discussions with the Ceann Comhairle was about the issue of disability and this Dáil championing it. I am glad at least to see that this convention is going to be passed.

I like to refer to people not as having disabilities, as I have said many times, but as having varying degrees of ability. This evening, I want to address what I see as one of the main first steps in recognising people's rights in the disability sector. Every county and health board area, collectively, should be instructed to compile a complete database of all those classified as having a disability. Local authorities and health boards should appoint an advocacy officer who would act as a one-stop shop for families seeking services for their loved ones, instead of being passed from Billy to Jack.

The second frustration I am experiencing alongside many disability organisations in my area, including the friends of people with disability group in Dundalk, is the lack of communication on issues such as service availability. On the prospect of independent living, the main focus appears to be on the decongregation of those with disabilities currently in institutions, while there is a failure to deliver to those who would like to live independently and prosper with proper service supports. Many of those who have elderly parents just want security and peace of mind going forward and to be assured that their loved ones will be looked after properly after their day.

The Minister of State will be aware that I and many of my colleagues, including Deputy Fitzpatrick, have been arguing for respite care in the county. With the suggestion that St. John of God might possibly close, we would only be left with the Maria Goretti Foundation in Cooley to offer that support. The real issue is respite, and centres around the need for properly planned and managed respite, to give families a real break. The provision of emergency respite is also key. Local authorities and housing bodies should be obliged to have a ten-year strategy in respect of the number of houses to be bought or constructed to cater for those with such needs. This should be based on an audit such as the one I mentioned at the outset.

There are many shortcomings in the delivery of services and some shocking reports from meetings I have attended.

I will not go into them but I dealt with the case of a 40 year old person with a disability who was locked into a bus for four hours outside a house and his parents could not find him. That is only the tip of the iceberg in respect of the issues I am trying to address in my constituency. Signing this convention will do no good. It is not just about words; it is about action and giving people the proper services they deserve.

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