Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

The Bill is strong on rhetoric but weak on commitment, it is lacking in rights and unclear on finance.

I do not usually look to the United States for inspiration but a Disability Act introduced by the former President, Mr. George Bush, in 1990 mandated local state and federal employees to make reasonable accommodation for disabled workers. It was stipulated that access for disabled members of the public should be provided in public accommodation such as restaurants, stores and shops. This Act which was passed 14 years ago provides more rights than the Government now intends introducing. The Bill is not rights based because services are dependent on resources.

People often ask politicians to listen. Despite all the focus groups and meetings I am at a loss to understand why the Government has not listened. What has scared the Government? These people require our protection. A few years ago when the Government sought to introduce a Disability Bill, it was withdrawn.

The Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, was more upfront when he stated that the Bill could not ignore the reality that funding and resources are finite. He claimed that services would grow as budgeting and staffing constraints were overcome. No provision is made for updating services should more money become available. As a result, I believe the service statement will be redundant.

As Fine Gael spokesperson on health in the Seanad for a number of years I have witnessed the rate at which major plans and reports were produced. They were usually heralded with much fanfare and there was great expectation of change. Up to the time when I ceased to be the party spokesperson on health a total of 147% of proposed legislation and reports were gathering dust. While the Government has the capacity, it lacks the will to ensure we protect vulnerable people.

I would like to be able to welcome the Bill. I supported the demand for greater equality. It is we who limit the potential of people with disabilities. I would be pleased to be able to credit the civil servants, the Minister and the Government with introducing good legislation but unfortunately I am not in a position to do so.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games were held here two years ago. It was a great occasion for this country. People like me who may not have been fully aware of the obstacles we place in front of people with disabilities were delighted that at last we were better informed about the problems they face. We were disappointed that the Disability Bill was not ready in time for the Special Olympics in 2003. The Government failed to publish the Bill in 2003 which was the European Year of People with Disabilities. I do not say there was an attempt by the Government to blame the disability sector but at one stage an opinion was put out that it was the consultation process that had delayed the Bill. I do not suggest the Government put out this story, which I do not believe was a factor in the delay of the Bill.

I do not want to focus on the issue of money but I must refer to the wastage of money by the Government. Some €52 million was wasted on electronic voting while there is a problem with securing funding for people with disabilities who were hoping to secure an extra €5 million, €10 million or €15 million. We must support people with disabilities. I would love to be able to say to the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, that this is a job well done. Much has been done and there is an awful lot more to do. I look forward to the introduction of another Bill in the near future as this Bill is not acceptable to the Opposition or people with disabilities. I look forward to working with the Minister of State to ensure we get a Bill which is more suitable.