Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions. It is always worthwhile to come to the Seanad during Private Members' business because, as Senator Ó Murchú rightly noted, it is possible to have a debate that is not party political or about kicking the Minister. There are, of course, times when kicking the Minister is important, but when we are discussing an area in transition, such as disability services, it is important to have an intelligent and worthwhile discussion. Senator van Turnhout, who has temporarily stepped out of the Chamber, is always a good contributor to debates but, in regard to her comment on people with disabilities being afraid to complain, she must be meeting different people with disabilities from those I am meeting because they have no difficulty complaining to me. I suppose that is because they recognise that I will listen and, if at all possible, respond to their complaints. It is important that people be able to express their views and equally important they are listened to. I take that part of my job very seriously. I thank Labour Party Senators for giving me an opportunity to respond to their motion, to outline the Government's commitment to the provision of effective and responsive public services for people with disabilities and to re­affirm strongly the Government's commitment to the national disability strategy.

The Government intends to proceed to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, at the earliest opportunity. Ireland does not become party to any treaty until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by it, including the amendment of domestic law where necessary. An interdepartmental committee on the convention is reviewing the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. One of the key requirements is the enactment of legislation on capacity. The programme for Government commits us to introducing a Bill in line with the UNCRPD. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 provides a series of options to support people with impaired capacity to make decisions and exercise their basic rights in line with the principles of the convention.

I think everyone knows at this stage that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, has resigned. I compliment Deputy Shatter on the huge support he has offered me in preparing the Bill. This legislation would never have seen the light of day if not for his drive and commitment to human rights and his liberal agenda for people with disabilities.

The Bill will go to Committee Stage shortly. While I am conscious that I may run out of time, it is important to note that, as a result of our extensive consultation on this legislation and with the support of the then Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, the Israeli Government has put on hold its capacity legislation on the basis that it will probably adopt our legislation once completed. This is a compliment to the individuals who are working on this legislation. We could not have a better person than Professor Gerard Quinn, who has already been mentioned, advising us.

People with disabilities can face challenges when participating in many everyday activities. Every sector of society must break down barriers to ensure equal participation. In this regard, the national disability strategy plays a key role. The programme for Government committed us to the publication of a national disability strategy implementation plan. I concur with Senator Ó Murchú's point that implementation will be the most important issue. When we entered government there was no implementation plan in place. An extensive plan is now in place. I compliment the members of the group, not only representatives of service providers but also persons with disabilities and the Centres for Independent Living. While the plan does not include everything we want, it will mark a significant step forward and will be augmented as the country's circumstances improve.

I chair the national disability strategy implementation group, which developed the plan and is also tasked with monitoring its implementation. The plan seeks to ensure available resources are used to best effect to ensure people with disabilities have more choice and control in their lives to help them to achieve their aspirations. Progress is reviewed by the implementation group and thematic meetings deal with specific issues. Such meetings are attended by all relevant bodies to ensure cross-sectoral input and review. Two such thematic meetings have taken place, one focused on Irish Sign Language and a second focused on housing. I am still fascinated and amazed by the fact that I am the Minister in attendance for debates on the Special Olympics. Surely the Minister of State with responsibility for sport should be in attendance for such debates. Surely debates in the House on housing for people with disabilities should be attended by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.