Ms Sarah O'Toole:

First, let me extend our gratitude to the committee for inviting us to present to members and talk about the sustainable development goals and their impact on people with disabilities and also the impact of Ireland's commitments in its overseas development aid programme. I am the CEO of CBM Ireland and with me today is Mr. Lars Bosselmann, director of advocacy for CBM International. On my left is Dr. Mary Keogh, a board member of CBM Ireland and also the adviser on advocacy and policy for both CBM International and CBM Australia. I will give a brief introduction about the organisation and Mr. Bosselmann will talk about the sustainable development goals. Dr. Keogh will speak further on Ireland's commitment to people with disabilities through the SDGs and our overseas development aid programme.

Members are probably aware that one in seven people in the world today live with a disability. That equates to 1 billion people. They are the world's largest minority. CBMis an international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. We do that in a number of ways. Currently, we are working with approximately 500 partner organisations in 65 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. We work with the partner organisations to deliver medical services, health care, community-based rehabilitation, education and livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.

When an emergency occurs in times of conflict or natural disaster, we ensure the rights of people with disabilities in those situations are not forgotten. We partner with local organisations on the ground to provide access to emergency relief and supplies for people with disabilities. In terms of our advocacy work both in Ireland and internationally, we work to protect the human rights of people with disabilities are met both in development policies and programmes. We work with governments, state agencies and other development organisations to ensure we meet that goal. I will hand over to Mr. Bosselmann who will speak further on the sustainable development goals.