John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I accept the sincerity of Senator Healy Eames regarding the proposals she has made. I am aware that she has a deep interest in this issue. I am not really a believer in legacies, as such. However, when I was appointed to the Department over two years ago, I gave certain commitments. I have always made the point that the €1.6 billion allocated to the disability sector should not be a major issue for the Government. I have also made the point that people with disabilities should have the right to choose the type of services which they, as individuals, might require.

It takes time to make changes. I initiated a value for money review 15 months ago in the clear understanding that it was not to be an attempt by the Government to hive off moneys from the disability sector and allocate them elsewhere. To try to give some credibility to my decision in this regard, I appointed two people from the disability sector - Mr. John Dolan from the Disability Federation of Ireland and Mr. Brendan Broderick - to serve on the review committee.

Senator Healy Eames rightly mentioned that next Friday is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It has always been my intention, prior to my leaving the Department, to issue clear policy proposals as to how changes can be made. I will be doing this on Friday. I refer, in particular, to individualised payments for people with disabilities. I will bring some clarity to the entire matter on Friday.