Mr. Kieran Rose:

As already stated, Senator O'Donovan has posed a very good question. In countries in which human rights and equality are embedded in public policy, society and the economy tend to be much more economically successful. We would suggest that embedding issues of human rights and equality in society and our public policy can be part of our economic recovery. The Equality Authority previously funded a Dublin County Council-GLEN study on how respect for the nine grounds within the city could be an aspect of job creation and competitiveness. This goes to very ordinary issues in that, for example, to attract tourists requires respect for different cultures and people of different ethnic backgrounds. If one wants to attract people with disabilities and their families then the city, including its pubs and hotels, must be accessible to people. On all of those grounds, it is part of our economic competitiveness.

Ms Blake's suggestion in regard to having a roadshow is brilliant. It is important we are not put in an ivory tower but are part of the mainstream of Irish society, visiting housing estates in Dublin or the villages of Ireland. Part of our key role would be to ensure we are part of the mainstream debate.