Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Following consultations with the DLCG I tabled a number of amendments in the Dáil to oblige the liaison officer to review the provision of services specified in the service statement. The regulations provisions in section 21 were also amended to govern the procedures for reviews and the intervals at which reviews would take place generally or with regard to the age of the person, or the nature of the disability.

The DLCG requested that consideration be given to ensuring that the applicant, or his or her advocate, where appropriate, can be involved in that review. I am pleased therefore to table Government amendment No. 24 which obliges the liaison officer to meet with the applicant or advocate for such reviews. Amendment No. 39 will ensure that the regulation for reviews will also provide for the involvement of the applicant. This ties in with the person-centred approach of the system being put in place.

I thank the Senators who raised this issue on Second Stage. I also thank the DLCG which recently brought this matter to the notice of the Taoiseach and myself.