Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for the amendment. If it is agreed, will he guarantee there will be a type of disability-proofing in each Department? When drawing up legislation or regulations, will Ministers automatically tick the box to say it is disability-friendly, in the same way as Departments must equality-proof legislation? If it does not go that far, it will not be worthwhile. The amendment tabled by the Labour Party and Fine Gael would have given greater assurance that there would be disability-proofing. It would have provided for a disability commissioner which would have been of great benefit. I am disappointed this has not been accepted. We must be assured that this requirement will provide a change in attitude in each Department. From now on, everything should be disability proofed automatically. In future, people should not have to fight for their rights. It should become the norm that everyone, regardless of whether they are able bodied or have a disability, will be provided for in every piece of the legislation a Government introduces. Nothing less will be acceptable.