Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

The legislation is already in place. The equality framework relating to equal employment has been in existence since 1998, while people also have access to the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Equality Act 2004. A couple of months ago we put in place the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. We are carrying out the preparation and it took a great deal of time to progress matters this far. I would have preferred this to be the case rather than our having rushed something through in the knowledge that we might not be able to implement it. I am sure, however, that we will be able to implement every aspect of this strategy.

I look forward to being part of that strategy, about which I have much knowledge. I am delighted that we have already put in motion an educational plan for dealing with assessments for those with special needs. That is an important part of the process and it is from this point we must start. One of the key rights is that people will have access to the assessment procedure to be put in place and there will also be an entitlement to the services necessary for dealing with the outcome of an assessment. Consideration will be given to the gaps in existing services. If there are any doubts about particular aspects, people will have access to a complaints procedure. I am delighted that these rights have been put in writing in order that families with children who suffer from disabilities will be aware of the various stages of the process. That is a welcome development.

The Bill reaches international standards. Comparatively speaking, Ireland is way ahead of the rest of Europe. I welcome everything that has been done to date in respect of this matter. I accept that we must ensure that the services are put in place and that financial support will be provided. There will be a cross-departmental annual analysis of what will be required. That is the key to this entire matter. I do not doubt that the Minister of State will acknowledge that point during his contribution. If we get that right, the entire process — most of the mechanisms are already in place — will run smoothly.

I ask the Minister of State to ensure that the relevant professionals are in place to allow the assessment stage to proceed. This is my one concern. I would like to think that at the stage of assessment there will be no slippage in terms of the co-ordination and co-operation between the Departments concerned regarding the various support services, be they related to the environment, public buildings or the need to have in place proper psychological support services. That is the one area in which delays could occur. Once the problem has been identified — either by the Department of Health and Children through the assessment process or the Department of Education and Science — and a plan has been put in place, I have no doubt that resources will be made available immediately in order to ensure that everyone will be given an equal opportunity to participate in mainstream education and employment.

We must get the assessment process right from the outset. From that point, we will have no difficulty with any aspect of the legislation. The Bill is a fine start and will form another part of the disability strategy. All that remains are the support services to help us deal with the implementation. The Bill is fine legislation and I have no doubt it will be a great success. It has been welcomed by all those who lobbied on behalf of or represented people with disabilities. I know that it will be a success.