Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I was hoping to have some clarification from the Leader on my request for two debates that I made prior to Christmas. One was for a debate on the roll-out of the national disability strategy and how we are meeting the needs of people with a disability in such a way as to enable them to take their rightful place as equal members of society. There are still a number of legislative issues to be addressed as at present there is no recognition afforded of their capacity to give consent to various issues and to make choices about various aspects of their own lives, such as where and with whom they live and who should receive the money they receive as part of the disability allowance. A significant sum of money has been allocated in this year's budget for people with disabilities. It is important that Members have the opportunity to hear where that money will be spent and are given an assurance that it will all be spent in the area of disability.

This brings me to the second request for a debate on the issue of mental health and the implementation of A Vision for Change. It is apparent that the moneys allocated in the budget for 2007 were not spent in the areas for which they were allocated. This area is in great need of funds. The implementation of A Vision for Change has still not progressed, despite the fact that the Health Service Executive said it hoped to have a draft implementation plan by the end of December. It is not acceptable that four years on we are still talking about draft plans for implementation. I should appreciate if the Leader would indicate when we may have two those very important debates.