Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will start at the end. Deputy Costello asked me whether I would meet with the Dublin 12 group. I think I have met the Dublin 6 group. I come from Portumna in County Galway, where Dublin 6, Dublin 4 and Dublin 12 are all the same to me. I will happily meet the group mentioned by Deputy Costello. The Deputy should contact Noel in my office and we will happily sit in on a meeting. Any of my Oireachtas colleagues who represent that area are welcome. I see the frustrations of people on social media. I would happily meet the group and take on their concerns.

The Deputy has outlined many of their concerns. Not all of these fall within my remit. I might not have all the answers for them. That does not mean to say I will not take it on board and work with the relevant Ministers. Perhaps I should meet with the group before I meet the relevant Minister so that I have a good understanding of the issues. The groups are active. I have to acknowledge and give them a shout out. They are active on social media. They tag me in fairly lively on a regular basis so that I have an understanding of the issues. Now that Deputy Costello has asked, I will do that.

Deputy Costello addressed other issues. I am not going to comment on other Departments. It is up to the relevant Ministers to come before the committee and answer those questions. This is the most wonderful element about my role within disability. I also see my role as one of advocacy. That is why I can and do reach out to other Ministers within education, housing, employment and health.

We have to work together and break down the silos if we are to make progress. That is one of my core values. One of the good things about my transition out of the health area - I hope the transfer of functions comes through shortly - is it is not only a matter of disability but of equality, inclusion and integration. This is where the new Department with responsibility for children and youth sits. I bring all of that to the table. That is what I believe the other Ministers embrace as well. I will do that.