Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

That is appreciated. I may have to leave as I am due to speak to speak shortly in the Dáil.

I welcome our visitors. I thank Dr. Burgoyne and Ms Dowler for their very informative presentations.

A representative called to my consistency office some time ago about this matter and made me aware of the difficulties arising in that respect. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are very important for the families and individuals who require them. What sources of funding do the various organisations represented have? Is it all on a charitable basis? Are there individual contributions or are public funds made available to any of the various organisations represented here?

Is there a national scheme to fund the training of assistance dogs and, if so, it is recognised legally? I certainly was not aware that there was a big difficulty with access, although the issue has been raised in the media in more recent times. Does the difficulty concern the number of guide dogs and assistance dogs available?

Ms Dowler has said changes in the law are required. Has there been consultation with the Government or the Department responsible? If not, today's presentation marks the start of such consultation. I know that the committee will be supportive of the presentation made, as well as of the requests made by our guests.