4th April, 2002
Dr. Henry: I welcome this amendment. Like Senator Manning, the representations received from the various societies and associations - parents of people with disabilities or people who are disabled themselves - leaves me wishing the Minister had waited to hear some of their points. The position remains whereby "a child" means a person not less than three years of age and not more than 18 years of age. Many of those who contacted me on this Bill are particularly anxious that the education of the child should begin immediately the disability is discovered. They are also anxious about the provision whereby a person is merely referred to the health boards having reaching 18 years of age. This amendment improves the Bill.
Dr. Henry: Does that mean the assessment will be more independent? Concern was expressed that assessments were not independent.
Dr. Henry: I welcome this because previously people were tied to a school and town and it would have caused grave difficulties if the Minister had not made the amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
Dr. Henry: The amendment is definitely an improvement. While the Minister is quite right to emphasise that one must try to keep the number of people on the council manageable, the new figure is not unmanageable. I am disappointed, however, that another matter which I raised during my Second Stage contribution has not been addressed, namely, the absence of a place on the council for persons with a disability. While I accept such persons are not specifically excluded, I had hoped the amendment would refer to them because many people with a disability would be the most useful people to have on such a council. Given that disabilities cover a wide spectrum, we must be careful not to confine ourselves to intellectual disability. When the Minister nominates the members of the council, I hope he will try to include as many people with a disability as possible because those disabled people who have experience of trying to receive an education are extraordinarily important.
It is also very important to note that one is not necessarily born with a disability, that it can be acquired. Therefore, two groups need to be considered in this context, namely, those born with a disability and those who have acquired a disability and are in a position to describe what life was like before and after this often very chastening experience. Anyone who has experienced disability during his or her life will be aware of the degree to which life becomes more difficult if one cannot continue as before. I hope people with acquired disabilities are given priority when the Minister establishes the council.
Dr. Henry: This is an extremely good idea coming at a time when people are setting themselves up with the most incredible titles. I sometimes ask myself what a counsellor is given that anyone can call himself or herself a counsellor. It is extremely wise to introduce this amendment to address a matter raised by Senator O'Toole.
Dr. Henry: Like Senator Manning, I have heard a large number of people from the various organisations express dissatisfaction with the Bill because they wanted more consultation. I am sure the Minister's heart is in the right place on this and I hope that before it proceeds to the other House, he takes time to talk not only to the groups representing adults and children with disabilities, but also the service providers because they will be able to provide him with a great deal of information based on their expertise. I hope the Bill will return to this House having been amended in the other House.
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