Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Corrigan regarding this week's District Court decision to dismiss the case of the alleged sexual assault of a 20 year old disabled girl because she failed a competency test. That the laws are such that one loses protection upon entering adulthood at 18 years is a disgrace. When the House passed the Disability Act 2005, I believed we were levelling the playing pitch for all disabled people. As there is an anomaly, perhaps I was naive. I encourage the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider this urgent matter.

Will the Leader invite the Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues and mental health to revisit the Act in the House to determine the progress made? Two years ago, many fine commitments were given and it would be nice to know how much progress Departments have made in proofing their decisions and sectoral plans against disabilities by the dates set out.