It just begs the question about the effectiveness of being in a party in government. I will go on. I want to say-----

Yes, this is the Order of Business, so I will get on to the main element. I am sorry.

The continued denial of access to personal transport supports for people with disabilities is nothing short of shameful. That is the view of the Ombudsman. He was on "Morning Ireland" yesterday, the great "Morning Ireland" that tells us so much. In his office's latest annual report, the Ombudsman, Mr. Ger Deering, said that he and his predecessors have been demanding reforms by the Government, this Government and other Governments, for the past 12 years. I understood that we may have had a debate next week, but I d…

I thank the Senator for the offer.

I thank the Senator-----

-----on the record of the House.

I acknowledge the Minister's very significant contribution to this legislation and his proactive collective engagement. He is one of the few Ministers I can say this about. He said that it was a collective effort. He listened to amendments in the Dáil. I played back the debate and read some of it. He engaged very constructively with the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, of which I am a member. I take this opportunity to thank in particular Senator Paul Daly, who is a very active member of th…

Before the Minister of State replies I would like to ask if we could have the speech circulated for the record. The speech here is not actually the speech he delivered. Therefore, you might liaise with your Department and circulate the speech later on. That would be much appreciated.

I know it is an evolving situation but it is important for the record of the House that we would have a correct, comprehensive statement laid before the House.

I would like to welcome the people, young and old, who are visiting here today. You are very welcome and I hope you enjoy your stay. We are debating Commencement matters now. This is where Senators raise particular topics with the relevant Minister. I hope you enjoy your day here in Leinster House.

The next matter is in the name of Senator O'Loughlin.

We have the top man on the job.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House today to deal with these Commencement matters as selected by the Cathaoirleach. It is appreciated. I am aware that he is very busy and we appreciate that he took the time to take all of these matters. I thank Senator O'Loughlin also for raising that very important matter.

I am aware that the Cathaoirleach and the Acting Leader are very committed to matters around disability. This is the subject of my conversation this morning, and Senator Clonan has already spoken on it. The continuing denial of access to personal transport supports for people with disabilities is nothing short of shameful. This is the view of the Ombudsman, which we heard on "Morning Ireland" this morning, and which is included in the preface of the Ombudsman's official annual report. The Ombudsman, Mr. Ger Deering…

I ask that as we go through the relevant amendments, we might get some guidance from the Cathaoirleach.

I move amendment No. 1: In page 5, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following: “ Report on operation of Scheme 2. (1) The Minister shall produce a report which will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas 24 months after the Scheme has commenced. (2) A report under this section shall consider the following matters: (a) whether and to what extent persons engaged in the management, administration or operation of relevant institutions should be permitted or required to contribute to the cost of making payme…

I am speaking only to my amendment No. 1. Is that okay?

Okay. That is the reference to that. As I said in my opening remarks, I intend to concentrate all of my efforts today on this. I do not want to keep getting up here and repeating the same old story. Even now, I find it exceptionally difficult to keep saying the same thing. This is my swansong to a certain extent, in relation to this legislation. I want to thank the members of the committee. I am sorry they felt it was not possible to somehow get it over the line. I recognise that they are part of a Government. They…

What does one say to all of that? At the outset, the Minister has accepted no amendments at any part of the process in this House. That is the record. I said before, from my experience of working with the Minister, that I believe he would have gone further. He may ask how I believe that. I talk to enough people and I listen to enough people in the corridors of power, both in Leinster House and in other places. I absolutely do not doubt the Minister's commitment. I also recognise the issue with the tripartite coalit…

I will not support this Bill. I urge people not to support the Bill. On this side of the House, the Government will have no choice. It will be whipped into line, or it will not appear. It simply will not appear and I said to someone this morning: remember who is here and who is not in here, because that tells a story in itself. The simple majority plus one will be in here, but by golly, I put a measure out on this. I will be on their tails. I will be touring up and down this country. I will be articulating strongly…