Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I also thank the Minister of State for coming before the House and remaining for all the sessions here. I also thank his officials, Ms Siobhan Barron and Mr. Brendan Sheehy who were present and listened to the debate throughout. I agree with Senator Terry that the Bill now differs from that which was originally presented in this House because the Minister of State, in meeting the DFI and the Taoiseach, has worked through many significant amendments which will make a great change in the Bill.

Some points struck me as Members discussed the Bill. For me, the implementation of this Bill has been a personal crusade stemming from circumstances in the wider Lenihan family and was a particular matter which I wished to fulfil. I was glad to be present to do so. As I stated at the beginning, people with disabilities can come out of the shadows and into the sunlight, which is so important in so many ways. Many did not get the chance to do so. They were unable to do so because of circumstances and because the services did not then exist for such people as they do now, even before the passing of this Bill. I welcome this and for me, our debate on the subject was shot through with deep memories. Even if the sunlight is weak in the beginning, there will be good days for those who are able to walk in the sunlight, hopefully with better to come.

Make no mistake, but this will depend on resources. I do not know how it will be monitored and fulfilled and the question of money ran through the entire debate. We must ensure the funds are ring-fenced no matter how tight money becomes, even if there are earthquakes in the country morning, noon and night — which there will not be. This is why I wanted a subhead for money for disabilities in each sector, which could not be touched. No matter what happens, the able-bodied will always be able to look after themselves. However, I was keen on the creation of a subhead, entitled something like "cash for disabilities" which would ring-fence the funds. I was also keen on the idea of the commission, where a man or woman would don the mantle of champion if the going became rocky for the provision of services. It would have been tied to the disability proofing idea, which would have been secured if the subhead with the money ring-fenced in it had been accepted. I do not know how we will act on Senator Kett's suggestion to monitor progress, but we must.

Disabled citizens are entitled to full access and usage of all services. That is the manner in which disabled citizens should be able to order their lives henceforth. I thank the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Acting Chairmen who sat in the House as well as the Clerk of the Seanad. We sometimes overlook the work involved in the arrangement and compilation of amendments. I also thank Senators Terry, Tuffy and Henry, all of whom gave their time so unstintingly to this particular Bill.