Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and very much welcome the debate. I note that the Irish Human Rights Commission, then chaired by a former Leader of the House, Dr. Maurice Manning, with the active participation of Professor Gerard Quinn of NUIG, played a significant role in conjunction with many NGOs in the area in the drafting of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was the first time a United Nations convention was drafted with the direct involvement of those actually concerned. This happened by conforming to the principle of "nothing about us without us."

Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities is of major importance for the Government. I hope that the last major roadblock - the passing of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 - will not take much longer. It is very complex legislation and such capacity infrastructure is very recent in other jurisdictions. The Minister for Justice and Equality is to be commended for publishing the legislation. It is six years since it was first mooted by the previous Government and eight years since the convention became open to signature. I am hopeful that the Government will be in a position to ratify it during its lifetime.

A personal assistants service, as outlined in the motion, would be in line with Article 19(b) of the convention and would support living and inclusion in the community. The autonomy and participation of those with disabilities in our communities is vital. We have, for far too long, seen those who were somehow classed as different being shut away. For decades our mental hospitals were filled with those who, for one reason or another, were not considered worthy of participation in society. A service, as outlined, would ensure that an individual could exercise choice and control over his or her life and contribute to the community. It is reflective of the relevant human rights principles. The individual is encouraged and facilitated to pursue educational opportunities and meaningful activity or employment that suits his or her age, needs and preferences. They are supported in becoming an active citizen and participating in community based recreational activities. They can also avail of travel opportunities.

I note that the Disability Federation of Ireland has said that the personal assistance service has formed, and continues to form, the backbone of community services and supports that enable people to live independently in the community and supports people's choice and control. It allows people to engage more equally with family members, their community and their employers. The disability federation's report on personal assistance is a comprehensive and balanced document that outlined the challenges and changes required for such a service.

The personal assistance service and Centres for Independent Living are vitally important. However, I note from various research, that there is no defined understanding as to what constitutes a personally assisted decision or service but there is a need to define it in statute. In my view that is something that should be pursued in order to provide a consistent service to people with a disability.

Finally, I commend my Labour Party colleagues for tabling the motion and I am delighted to fully support their motion.