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

I thank Senators for their contributions. They have a genuine interest and regularly attend these debates. I always make it my business to come to the House to deal with this issue. Plenty of people have different issues and problems, but that is my job and I have no problem with that. I thank all Members for their genuine interest and for advancing the position of people with disabilities in society. That is very relevant and we see that today.

In addition to the various matters I mentioned earlier, Senators will be interested in the progress on meeting the terms of the CRPD. My approach and that of the Government is one of sustained and ongoing improvement. Work is continuing on the reforms needed for optimum compliance with the Government's requirements. As an Independent Alliance member of the Government, I particularly thank Senators Conway and McFadden for their support on the UN convention. I would not have got it through the Cabinet without that support. I thank them because that was essential. However, it is only the start as far as I am concerned.

I will go through the issues and then return to matters concerning individuals. First, we will consider ratifying the optional protocol once we have completed the full reporting cycle on the UNCRPD. It is important to have a full picture of our obligations before we consider ratifying the protocol. I accept the Senator's point that we need to do that.

The funding for the national platform is a valid issue to raise. I know the people involved well. I work with them and I have given them interim funding for the past three years. Many organisations look for funding. Work has been undertaken on a model to involve people with disabilities in policy development, in line with the UNCRPD obligations, and these proposals will be finalised early next year.

With regard to Irish Sign Language, additional funding has been provided for the sign language services and work is well advanced to prepare for the commencement of the Irish Sign Language legislation.

The UNCRPD imposed a series of obligations on Ireland, and Departments are working collaboratively to plan for their implementation. I am working within the framework of the national disability strategy to implement them.

Funding is another issue. Funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund has been secured for the initiative to engage with employers on the employment of people with disabilities. It will provide seed funding for long-term initiatives in this area.

The insurance issue was raised by a number of Senators. The Government is concerned about the negative impact of insurance costs. It has established a cost of insurance group to examine this matter. From my point of view, we are working on the HSE service plan for 2020 and the service providers will raise those issues, and have raised them, in respect of their funding. There is also an issue with deficits. I have set up a group to examine that.

Cuisle was raised again. I want to ensure that people with disability have greater choice. I want to move away from providing respite in congregated health service settings to integrated holiday settings and to provide people with more options, as long as that supports the need to maintain the service. It is not correct to say that I sat on the pot or was like Pontius Pilate on this issue. I have been involved with it and I reject the comments made by Senator Leyden.