Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for the documentation that they sent. I have read it. I was delayed in the Seanad so I have missed much, and I apologise if I ask anything that has already been said. I am quite transfixed by the line in Dr. Muldoon's report about children which states:

They are instead ‘reduced’ to their impairments. In contrast, the rights-based model of disability recognises that disability is a social construct and impairments must not be taken as a legitimate ground for the denial or restriction of rights.

That paragraph is fantastic and encapsulates everything that I have ever believed regarding disability and children, and being children-centred. I would value the witnesses' input, as opposed to me asking questions. Representations that I hear when I am out and about relate to babies born with a disability that does not require later diagnosis. For example, if a child has Down's syndrome, it is apparent from birth, yet within the health-based model and it being a health matter, we find that there is an initial support in hospital and supports then fall away. A medical card needs to be applied for. There is a delay in assessment by a child psychologist. People are advised to go to private services because they may be in a postcode lottery for whether they will get a child psychologist. When it comes to crèches, they need to fight for an access and inclusion model worker to work alongside the child. I am interested in levels of complaints, investigation, and the witnesses' general view on that and what could be done to arrest this quickly. What would the witnesses say about where I should go next as a Government Senator?