John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank my Oireachtas colleagues for their strong support for and engagement with today's meeting. Several organisations, Inclusion Ireland, the Disability Federation of Ireland, Headway, DeafHear and others were mentioned. I will make observations rather than ask questions because we have a problem today: we will not be able to take the flesh off the bones of the important questions that people ask and that need further interrogation.

Several people spoke of getting a break or being lucky. Mr. Moran said East Coast FM gave him a break, Jessica said Liadh Ní Riada gave her a break, Mr. Alford said Inclusion Ireland gave him a break. People talk about feeling lucky. It is luck not systems. As members of the committee we are dealing with three systems which are part of our public system but they are not working for the witnesses. I was also struck that while they spoke about themselves they could not resist speaking about other people with disabilities. Mr. Moran spoke about his friend trying to get into further education, Senator Ruane has referred to that. There is a bank of supports at third level and it is untamed world when it comes to further education. Colleagues have picked up on that today.

Two points struck me today, one is this new way of listening to people. In absolute nasty contrast, people with disabilities have been protesting inside the Polish Parliament since 18 April and their Government is treating them horrendously. We have things to put right in this country but people with disabilities are in here as citizens - let us see more of them in here at this and other committees. The people in Poland are looking for a decent few bob to get from week to week.

Deputy O'Loughlin said she has fought the good fight and now it is for Ireland to ratify the convention and fight the good fight. These three committees are starting to consider the gaps that exist.

The budget is coming up. What are the interlocking things that could happen between these three Departments? That needs to be addressed in the report. The report also has to validate the exercise we have carried out here and make sure it is possible for more of this to happen.

I thank all the witnesses. I had not met Ms Ní Mhaoláin and Ms McAnaspie previously and I am very pleased to have heard sterling contributions from people who talked about their day-to-day struggles.