Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Senator Cox made an enlightened speech on Second Stage. When one puts in place something like this, it is an admission that the system is not working. However, it is possible to make that allegation when any support system is put in place. This is in place because the sad reality is that people with disabilities find it difficult to access services. That they should not find it difficult is a philosophical debate and let us hope we are in the position someday where people with disabilities do not need that kind of support. From all the research we have obtained, the reality is they do need it.

The definition of disability is sensitive. We sometimes tend to think of it as an especially physical disability, but there are also sensory disabilities and so on where people need support in approaching any Department. We could put all those skills into the Department to deal with all those problems, but we would then probably have to replicate them across the board.

This board belongs to all Departments and not just mine. It is there to help people access their services across all Departments. The disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our society may not need this additional support some day, but it is essential for the foreseeable future.

I take the general point that whenever a support system is put in place, it means the system itself has not been able to respond. In another way, focusing on an issue allows us to reach a stage in the future where we can ease up on special support. The special support is needed at this time. I take the philosophical point that Senator Cox has made.