Madam, - The recent row between the Minister of State Willie O'Dea and the Labour Party spin-doctor Fergus Finlay on the Disability Bill should be a warning to everyone.
This important issue should never be used as a political football. The reality is that successive Governments have failed people with disabilities.
We should all listen to the disabled and to disability groups. Then we can move forward and bring in legislation that is relevant and effective. We owe it to the families and to the 30,000 volunteers who assisted us during the great Special Olympic Games. I will never forget the look on our daughter's face during the games. It was sheer fun, enjoyment and pride. It was her gig.
Let us honour all children and adults with disabilities by bringing in a quality Disability Bill. - Yours, etc.,
FINIAN McGRATH, TD, (Independent, Dublin North Central) Dáil Éireann, Baile Átha Cliath, 2.