Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I find myself in agreement with Senator Daly on the removal of the advocacy service for the deaf community. This has been an oversight in reform, so I sincerely hope that this situation will be remedied. There are many ways in which that can be done. I urge the Government and the new Cabinet to identify a way of restoring the advocacy service. For obvious reasons, the deaf community feels totally isolated. Unfortunately, deafness has been isolated as a disability. We have had productive discussions here on Irish Sign Language and I respectfully suggest that Seanad Éireann is a friend to deaf people in Ireland. The message should go from this House that we believe there is a case for this advocacy service to be funded. Common sense should prevail.

I also agree with Senator Ó Murchú and others who have spoken about the international situation.

Senator Walsh referred to the licensing issue with one person having the final say. In any society, it is always good to have a structured system of appeal. We have it in the planning process and social welfare area, as well as for medical cards. It operates in myriad areas in society, so why should the licensing structure be any different? We need fundamental reform of this matter because it is embarrassing not just for the 400,000 people involved, but also for our reputation internationally.