Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Participation of People with Disabilities in Political, Cultural, Community and Public Life: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Erin McGreehanErin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their contributions this morning. These meetings always give me so much. I thank the witnesses for their time.

My first question is for Ms Conway and Ms Ó Brolcháin Carmody. They spoke about the language employed when someone has to apply for a social welfare payment. A payment is described as a benefit, rather than what it should be, namely, a support. This others people and implies they have to be cared for. It is not care they want; it is support. The attitude is a barrier in many Departments. I have a feeling that supports such as those in question should be moved to the Department responsible for enterprise and trade, or a completely different section. How do the witnesses believe this would change attitudes across Departments, particularly regarding employment activation?

I have loads of questions. The witnesses probably will not get a chance to answer them all. How effective does Mr. Kerr believe the PPN has been locally? I feel it involves a very personal approach and requires a good system, with good people listening. One county could be more receptive than another.

I have experience of navigating public transport and public spaces with a visually impaired person. In Mr. Sinnott's experience, has the Department engaged with any of disabled persons' organisations to try to make transport more accessible, inclusive or understanding?

My last question is for Cara and Ms Daffy. Cara is fantastic. I was a receiver of one of its courses on disability and sports inclusion a couple of years ago. It was a wonderful day and I learned an incredible amount. In a purely practical way, as a member of Glenmore Athletic Club what active supports are available to make it more inclusive? We are actively engaging on a regular basis but, as Ms Daffy knows, it is all volunteer based. What is available for clubs to encourage and help people, to make sure they are doing the best job on inclusion and are not just there with loads of interest and empathy, which is no good? We have to know what we are doing if we are going to be a proper, inclusive club. Finally, are there any staff members or ambassadors in Cara with a disability?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.