The Government is seriously examining a proposal that would introduce market economics and competition into the provision of services to people with disabilities.
The proposal is contained in the submission from the new Government-appointed body, the National Disability Authority, on the forthcoming Disabilities Bill. The Government hopes to approve the outlines of the Bill by the end of this year.
In advance of the imminent legislation, the authority has proposed a fundamental shift in policy to give disabled people, rather than the provider of services, control over how they are treated.
It proposes that instead of funding bodies that provide services as at present, the money be paid to the disabled person who could then spend it as he or she saw fit.
Service providers - such as Rehab and the Irish Wheelchair Association - would then effectively compete in some instances for the custom of people with disabilities.
The NDA submission, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, was made earlier this month after a number of discussions between the authority and Department of Justice officials. The preparation of the Bill is being overseen by Minister of State Ms Mary Wallace.
Senior Government sources said yesterday the Government favoured the change in principle, and was examining it to ensure it could be practically implemented.
The National Disability Authority calls for the establishment of minimum standards of service, to ensure that while competition could lead to improved services or reduced costs, it would not lead to a reduction in the quality of service.
The authority has also proposed a host of other changes, including the regulation of the use of medical tests and genetic screening, the setting of service standards, and the further tightening of anti-discrimination rules.
The Department of Justice is completing a consultation process over the promised Disabilities Bill, and according to a spokesman intends to have the Heads of the Bill - its outline - approved by Cabinet before the end of 2000. The full Bill will then be published early next year, according to the Department.
The authority's views will carry considerable weight, as it is the statutory body set up both to advise the Government on policy and to oversee the provision of services in the sector.
The authority also proposes that the recent Supreme Court decision approving the law requiring some developers to set aside 20 per cent of development sites for social and affordable housing be exploited to the benefit of people with disabilities.
This decision seems to provide "a clear legal base" for requiring a set percentage of housing to be adaptable, the submission states, and could also be exploited in other ways.
It suggests that those living in institutional care be given an explicit right to live in the least restrictive environment, and the right of all people with disabilities to have their needs individually assessed.
The NDA submission is based on 39 submissions received from voluntary organisations, individuals with disabilities, carers, State agencies and organisations, professional organisations, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and IBEC, the employers' organisation.