Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take Senator Dolan's point in respect of waiting for ten years. During the talks on the programme for Government this was something I inserted in the document. We must act on that. Hanging around for ten years on this issue is not acceptable. Let us try to do it now.

Reference was made to assurances for the forthcoming budget. I am giving assurances to Senator Dolan this morning in the House that we have to have done it and we have to have the resources to fund the new services. Moreover, my position is that we have to have the resources to catch up on the damage that was done in the past nine or ten years. I accept that point and I am giving a commitment.

I sat down with my staff already and in the coming two or three weeks I will be demanding extra resources to implement many of the issues Senator Dolan raised. The answer to Senator Dolan's question is "Yes" but I am not going to make any big false promises in the House. However, I can give a strong commitment that I will do my best to ensure the provision of and focus on all services for people with disabilities.

I put it to my colleagues that it is not only a question of the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, being the person who deals with disabilities. I am keen to broaden this debate. Every Minister should have a role in dealing with the issue and supporting the rights of people with disabilities to access services. For example, I have set myself a target. The target for employment is 3% but I have set myself a target of 6% in the next three years in respect of people with disabilities. There are thousands of young people with a physical or intellectual disability. I met a group of them yesterday at the Irish Wheelchair Association. I met another group three weeks ago in the Central Remedial Clinic. These are brilliant talented young people with physical disabilities and they are looking for a job - I am referring to a real job. I am putting it to every Minister that it is not simply a question of Finian McGrath being the person dealing with disabilities. We all have a responsibility. I would appreciate the support of my Seanad colleagues for that vision. We need to change that mindset in Irish society as well.