Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late to the meeting. I was at another committee. I thank the previous speaker because the point she raised in respect of personal assistance hours and the need for assistance with the social side of life is often missed. I am happy that Ms Ó Brolcháin Carmody referred to it because it is so important.

I extend a welcome to each and every one of the witnesses. I thank them for their series of compelling and insightful contributions. We as a committee are very grateful to the witnesses for coming to share their experiences and expertise today.

My first question is to Mr. Sinnott from Voice of Vision Impairment, VVI. Will Mr Sinnott give examples of how VVI or other DPOs have been marginalised or ignored in consultations? Mr. Sinnott said that the DPCN does not comply with the State's obligations under Article 4.3 of the convention. Will Mr Sinnott go into more detail on that and, possibly, suggest a more DPO-friendly alternative? If the disability steering group is to guide the UNCRPD implementation plan and if DPOs are prioritised in positions on the steering group, would that be enough to safeguard the implementation and ensure it is in good hands?

Will Mr. Sinnott expand on his concerns regarding the potential for extra powers for local authorities in planning? What does he mean by accessible streetscapes? What is the current status as regards accessibility in the context of the right to vote?

I thank Ms Ó Brolcháin Carmody for giving us such an understanding of how demeaning the means testing is. It is a very crucial and important point. What would she see as the best alternative to means testing? Will Ms Ó Brolcháin Carmody also explain the position with regard to the DPO coalition?