Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support Senator Terry's amendment. Five years is too long a timescale. Even though the Minister of State said a review will take place sooner than five years and not later than five years, it could be done at the very end of the five-year period. Five years is a long time if people are frustrated because the legislation is not working for them. It would be better if the period was shorter.

The amendment relating to the appointment of a disability commissioner to consider disability-proofing and so on would be an ideal way to review the legislation. Has the Minister of State considered this option? One of the suggestions of the groups with which the Taoiseach and the Government had discussions was the appointment of a commissioner similar to that appointed under the Official Languages Act. Other appropriate commissioners might include the freedom of information commissioner. Such a commissioner would carry out an independent review.

Paragraph (b) of Senator Terry's amendment proposes that the Minister should consult with any such organisations or representatives as he or she considers appropriate. The appointment of a disability commissioner would be even better because he or she would make an independent decision on who should be consulted in regard to the working of the legislation. Such an appointment would be welcome.

It was also suggested disability-proofing statements should be published on an annual basis by Departments. It would be much better if the review of the legislation were carried out by an independent body or person rather than by the Minister. A disability commissioner would be an ideal person to conduct a review of the legislation.