Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government launched the National Disability Strategy, in 2004 as a framework of positive action measures to support the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society. Two new pieces of legislation — the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 and the Disability Act, 2005 form an integral part of this Strategy, along with the suite of six sectoral plans, launched in 2006.

One of the most important aspects of my Department's sectoral plan is the arrangements for commencing Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides a statutory entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs, a statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide, and the right to pursue a complaint through an independent redress mechanism if there is a failure to provide these entitlements.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced on a national basis (including Galway) in respect of persons of different ages as follows: for children aged less than 5 years — with effect from 1, June 2007; for children aged 5 years to 18 years — in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004; for persons aged over 18 years — as soon as possible but no later than 31, December 2011.

Services for adults and children will continue to be enhanced progressively over the next number of years. The commitment by the Government to provide a Multiannual Investment programme of some €900m over the period 2006-2009 for disability support services recognises the need to build capacity in the health services to deliver on these obligations.The bulk of this funding, around €720m, is being spent in the health services. I have allocated €100m in 2006 and a further €100m in 2007 for the continuing development of services for people with a disability.