Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I second Senator Fitzgerald's objection to the Order of Business for the same reason that we gave yesterday, namely, it makes a mockery of this House. The entire concept of legislating by means of Second Stage debate followed by Committee Stage and, after due reflection, Report Stage is being ignored. If we speak about Seanad reform while ignoring the basic principles on which legislation has been developed over many years, we must object to the system proposed today. If we make an amendment on Committee or Report Stage, it will not be heard by the other House. We have to reconsider this.

I draw the attention of the House to the in case of emergency, ICE, concept, of which I was made aware yesterday by the ambulance services. The vast majority of people carry mobile telephones but, if someone has an accident, the responder often does not know which number to dial. Everybody carrying a mobile telephone should have an ICE listing for the person who should be contacted in an emergency. The thought behind the concept came from a paramedic who came across a person injured in an accident but did not know which number on the person's mobile telephone to dial. There is no cost or business model behind the concept but I would love to think we could promote it.

Given that we are approaching the end of term, I want to give Senators the homework of reading the Ombudsman's report, which is fascinating. It found that public servants lack knowledge of disability issues. A number of cases arose where those who were disabled were not given public access or the attention they deserved. Many State bodies have not realised the onus of responsibility that falls on them. Individuals, and particularly those who are disabled, should not have to contact the Ombudsman to have their problems solved.

Another report published recently is The Business of Ability, which recognises that people who are disabled also have abilities. The organisation which recently changed its name from the Aisling Foundation to the Kanchi Foundation plans to encourage businesses and State bodies to recognise the talent and ability of people who might otherwise be regarded as disabled. We, as a nation, should give more attention to that matter.