Mary White (Fianna Fail)

This is a landmark day in the history of the legislation produced by the Oireachtas. I compliment the Minister of State, his staff and everyone who brought this extraordinary legislation together including Members such as Senator Kett, who worked at it on a daily basis, Senator O'Rourke and Senators Terry and Tuffy, who put their hearts and souls into it.

Undoubtedly, people who are disabled were cruelly discriminated against. The same can honestly be stated about women, who were discriminated against when they were obliged to give up their jobs in the public service. When one has experienced discrimination oneself, one is more sensitive to others who are discriminated against.

The main point is that people who are disabled will be able to reach their potential, get a job and fully participate in society. It is forgotten that people do not only work for economic reasons but also for social reasons. I know from my experience as an employer that for people who have been excluded previously, socialisation is a major aspect of having a job. One meets people every day and socialises. From that point of view, as an employer, I feel that one of the major achievements of this Bill will be to help disabled people who have been discriminated against in the past to reach their potential, to fully participate in society and to feel they contribute to society.