John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for my intermittent attendance. I have all of the presentations in print form but because of votes in the Seanad have been unable to be present for all of the discussion. I was in earlier and heard some of it. It was frightening to hear of the ways in which many of the delegates are discommoded on various forms of transport. I was under the impression that huge advances had been made but it is obvious that has not happened.

As regards the blind, some of the recommendations made by witnesses would not cost much money. It is inexcusable for those steps not to be taken. I have been ploughing a path to the office of the Minister regarding the motorised transport grant for the past three years because it was suspended in 2013 and was supposed to be re-established by October of that year but that has not been done and, although I am a Government Member, I consider that to be indefensible.

The delegates have outlined many things that need to be done. It would be great if they could all be done immediately. However, I am unsure whether essential priorities that could be easily and quickly addressed in the short term have been outlined. Does any of the delegates have a view on that matter?