Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senators for their remarks about the report. As I said, it is a useful report which will be of huge benefit to the Department of Health and Children and those interested in the disability sector. I compliment the NDA and everyone who was involved with the report. In particular, I thank the Senators who have taken the trouble to read the report and present themselves to the House to speak about it even though it was published just a few days ago. This shows their commitment.

I listened attentively to the speakers and I agree with Senator Ulick Burke's point about figures and the need to remember we are dealing with people who at the cutting edge. We constantly state that in planning for the future of the health services, putting the patient first is the fundamental issue. Nowhere should that be more appropriate than in the disability area.

I am delighted today's debate has not been political and I agree with Senator O'Toole that this issue never should be political because every side of the House has had a huge involvement and interest in it. Unfortunately over the years, the position of society, not to mention politicians, Governments and the Opposition, regarding service provision for the intellectual disability and mental health areas has been inadequate to put it mildly. This is a societal problem, although this is an easy point to make on reflection because it is not fair to blame certain people.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the 1950s and he is correct in regard the problems of the health service in coming to grips with autism and so on. Some five or ten years ago I met teachers in training in Limerick and even they had problems with the curriculum in regard to facing up to autism, ADHD and so on, because more and more information about these issues is being published. Therefore, when an organisation such as the NDA goes to the trouble of doing such fantastic work in the disability area, there is a responsibility on policy makers to take it into consideration and it will be of huge benefit to everyone.

I thank Senators for their contributions. I will never be happy with the health services because no matter what one does, they can always be improved. We must always strive for excellence. While much has been done, more needs to be done, especially in the mental health area.

I spent three hours last night at a debate in the Royal College of Surgeons about the mental health services. While there have been huge changes in the health service, many consultants and service providers have fears. Part of those fears is the changes the Government will implement in the service area. I have no problem with this and I recognise such fears. One of the problems raised by service providers in the mental health area is that there is inadequate consultation with them. It is a huge omission. One can commission experts to review issues and they hold consultations, but only with a small number of people. They do not consult enough people. It should always be necessary to keep meeting and listening to the service providers — the people at the coal face.

I welcome this report because it points out many inadequacies in services for the disabled and I assure the House that the Department of Health and Children will do everything it can to develop policies to fill the gaps in the service. I thank all the Senators who contributed today.