Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A whole raft of areas have been covered by members. We have had a fantastic meeting because we are physically here and nearly every member has stayed. Members have busy schedules but they have stayed to listen to the powerful testimony given by the witnesses and heard the challenges. The witnesses have given asked us to advocate on their behalf on a whole raft of areas such as resources, violence, isolation, issues concerning the primary medical certificate and the disability allowance scheme, and carers as well, which is something that we, as a committee, must consider very closely and talk to the officials concerned.

The witnesses are a powerful inspiration to us. We will continue to listen to what they are doing and will reflect on what they have advised us to do to get these things made part of Government policy because a massive change is needed. As Chair of this committee, I firmly believe that societal attitudes really need to change, thus enabling everyone to have the best possible life whatever their abilities or disabilities.

I sincerely thank all the witnesses for their contributions today. If there are any points that have not been addressed that were raised by the members, I ask the witnesses to be kind enough to email their views to us because we would appreciate their insight and their view would inform us as we go forward. I sincerely thank the members of the committee for being here this morning and making thought-provoking and excellent contributions. I am really sorry and frustrated that we must adhere to a two-hour timeframe because I would have loved to have given these matters the attention that they deserve and have a longer meeting of up to four hours. I thank the members for their insightfulness and consideration. Most of all, I thank them for allowing a male Chair to chair this meeting this morning. These issues are powerful and this debate has given us food for thought. We all know that we have desperate pile of work to do to iron out the inequalities that exist for women with disabilities and we will endeavour to do what we can, as a committee. I thank everyone for their contributions.

Our public meeting stands adjourned until the next public meeting that, I think, will take place in two weeks' time but we will liaise with members on the matter.