Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I support Senator Browne in his amendment and in the sentiments he has expressed. I do not accept there has been widespread consultation in the formulation of this Bill. It only became obvious to a number of groups quite late in the day the extent to which they will now find themselves in an entirely different scenario to that they have previously experienced. Despite all that has been said about the health boards, they did afford the voluntary and community sector a seat at the table.

I spoke on Second Stage about the Government's embracing of the voluntary and community sector through its recognition of the sector as a fundamental pillar in the community in the context of the National Economic and Social Forum and the partnership agreements which have been the cornerstone of our economic prosperity over the past number of years. Therefore, it was surprising to see that this legislation did not afford sufficient recognition to the important role of the voluntary and community sector. This represents a contradiction of the Government's own policy and position in regard to the function of the sector. This is a worrying development and it is unsurprising that we have had approaches from a number of groups which are concerned at the new departure that the Bill represents.

During the Dáil debate on Report Stage, there was extensive discussion about this issue, which focused on the area of disability. There seems to be an attitude enshrined in this legislation that workers in the disability sector, represented by the Disability Federation of Ireland, are seen as service providers. This is the role they will be accorded under the new framework. I am not sure this goes far enough in recognising the role of such workers in the community. They are far more than service providers. I am concerned that the legislation, in its overweening bureaucratic approach, simply sees bodies providing a service and having an almost commercial relationship with the new executive. This neglects the extraordinary role played by such people in our community.