Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for each group. If they want to take all of the questions together I do not mind. To follow from what the Irish Deaf Society representatives said in response to Senator Higgins, they highlighted the forthcoming DPO coalition report, which will highlight that 24% of disabled people have difficulty using their right to vote and 55% have difficulty contacting local representatives. This is concerning. Will the witnesses outline concrete actions we can take individually as public representatives and that we can push for as a committee? The witnesses also mentioned the under-resourcing of ISL supports. I have been seeking updates from public bodies on their compliance with the ISL Act. Will the witnesses elaborate on areas where ISL needs are not being met?

I thank Mr. McGrath of the National Platform of Self Advocates for his opening statement and for taking a stand on participation in all forms of decision-making. He highlighted the need for all public processes to be accessible in how they are organised. Like others, I was taken by his point that people are only allowed to participate in storytelling and not in decision-making. Will Mr. McGrath discuss further how we can meaningfully include people with intellectual disabilities?

My next question is for LEAP. I thank the witnesses for their contributions and for working to highlight the vital role that families play. Their points on increasing employment rates among people with intellectual disabilities is incredibly important. The witnesses mentioned international examples. There is Project RISE in the US. Will the witnesses expand on what was involved in this project and the type of structures and programmes we can put in place here? As one of their recommendations they mentioned the importance of creating inclusive neighbourhoods. Will they outline the significance of this and how we can foster these types of supportive communities? The witnesses also spoke about the optimal age for employment being 13. Will they elaborate on the reason for this as I am curious?