Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other Senators I welcome the Minister to the House today. We are all very clear that the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a truly historic moment for us and it is great to see cross-party support for this ratification. However, it is only the beginning of a new journey.

I recently visited The Hub in Strokestown, which the Minister of State visited approximately one year ago.It is run by the Brothers of Charity and creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities. I also recently visited Triest Press in Roscommon town, which supports people with intellectual disabilities. I do not like to view them in that way. They are wonderful people who now have opportunities for meaningful employment and we need to see much more of that. It is very positive that €70,000 has been provided under a community services programme to support that company in respect of its high-tech digital centre and the services it provides.

I agree with Senator O'Reilly who called for increases for home help and home care packages. People need to live in their communities for as long as possible. It is absolutely crucial to support them in every way with home help and multidisciplinary team involvement. As an occupational therapist, I am very aware of the challenges in accessing timely and specialist rehabilitation. This is very relevant to people with disabilities. The evidence is clear that this access gives those people better outcomes. As a result, they have less disability and can lead more meaningful lives.

I do not want to see beds closed in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. I have spoken to the Minister of State previously about that and some beds have been opened. I want to see the rehabilitation unit in Roscommon County Hospital delivered as quickly as possible. It will serve the west of Ireland and will be linked to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. People need to have the best opportunities to lead meaningful lives and that means proper access to rehabilitation as inpatients and in the community.