Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I congratulate his colleague, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey, on bringing this Bill to the House. The Bill has been discussed for a long time and the Minister of State consulted many groups on it. Disability strikes in many ways. We are only too aware of the impact it has on the disabled person and on the life of his or her family.

There are several residential homes in my area in Sligo which do good work. For example, Cregg House provides an excellent service. There are 100 residents at Cloonamahon. I compliment the staff of both centres, as well as that of Gallagher House, Tubbercurry where 35 people attend daily to participate in a range of activities including gardening, arts and crafts. The work of the people in those centres deserves recognition.

Last year, the Minster for Education and Science came to Sligo to present the FETAC awards to people who attend the Irish Wheelchair Association centre. As a former member of the health board I am aware of the work people do in these centres. We often pay lip service to these people but it is important to recognise their work and their commitment to the service they provide which is far above the call of the job.

I welcome the Bill because it is the first time legislation has been put in place to guarantee rights for people with disabilities. It is a complex Bill which was long overdue and it is important to take as much time as necessary to get it right. This is the first time people with disabilities have been given a legal right to services. When assessed, they receive a statement of assessment which guarantees services. They may, however, be reassessed which is important for future reference. Disabilities affect people differently and may progress. Under the Bill, people with disabilities will have the right to further assessment.

The Bill is a significant step forward and will make a difference. There is much work yet to be done but all we can do is ensure that services for people with disabilities continue to improve.