Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank Senator Clonan. I am proud to be one of the sponsors of this Bill because it is important. I welcome Senator Clonan's family and especially Eoghan to the Gallery.

I thank the Minister of State for the commitment on assessment of needs she gave recently during a debate on a Labour Party motion in the Dáil. It is important in the context of our debate this evening because it is the starting point for what Senator Clonan has spoken about. We are debating, as Senator Clonan said in his contribution, what happens after people get that piece of paper. In fairness to the Minister of State, she gave a commitment that if those centres are not set up by August, we will get private resources. That is to be welcomed.

Tonight we are talking about lists. People I deal with say their loved one is simply a name on a list. That is what this is about. It is totally and utterly unacceptable that the lists Senator Clonan and others spoke about this evening are growing. Unfortunately the Government's attempt to kick the can down the road for another year is not acceptable. It should not be accepted tonight. Senator Clonan has called for a free vote. We support him in that. We must send out a message tonight that we care for those with disabilities and as a result we will put this legislation on a legal footing by passing it to the next Stage.

I received a letter from a constituent whose loved one had received a letter from the CDNT stating that the loved one would be passed on to adult services, having turned 18. This is what is happening day in, day out. The person had not received any services for the previous five years. The letter from the CDNT, which I have to hand, says if the person wants anything in the future to please email or ring a number. That person does not know where to go. That is what Senator Clonan is talking about. We need to put this on a legal footing so the services are available after an assessment of need has been done. I take on board the issue of the number of people we need to run those services. In my area some 30% of posts are vacant. However, this would send out the message once and for all that we in this Chamber take those with a disability seriously. We would be putting on a legal footing that this country stands up for those who need it most. We should all look at ourselves tonight if this ends with a vote and vote accordingly.