Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am attending on behalf of Senator Alice-Mary Higgins. I thank the witnesses for appearing before us. Listening to Ms Dennehy really opened my eyes to the little things we take for granted on a daily basis. I heard the figure of 40 people. For me, that is 40 people too many living in inequality due to disability needs. I would not use the word "easier" but the State could put something in place to make 40 people's lives much easier.

Ms Browne spoke about reports and laws from 1975. I am 32 years of age. I am even trying to think about 1975. We need to update our policies and review them in this committee. I live in rural Ireland and know how difficult life can be there. Funnily enough, I was born and reared in Dublin where there are hospitals all over the place. Trying to get to a hospital that is 50 minutes away from where one lives is very difficult for people who can drive or get lifts from friends. It is very difficult to get buses in rural Ireland. Ms Browne spoke about being listened to. People want to be listened to. It is grand that we as politicians and legislators listen but it is not just about listening. It is about listening but the recommendations the witnesses give us today are extremely important for going forward. We may be talking about 40 people but this is an awful lot of people who have this issue and they need to be listened to. I do a lot of work with independent living. It should be included in independent living programmes and care assistants who support people on a daily basis because there are no better people to speak than the people who are living through it. I thank Ms Dennehy so much for being honest and open with the committee.

I do not have many questions. One question is really important but I am sure it has already been answered. Do the witnesses think there is enough protection under Irish law for people like them? I have heard them speak about accommodation and transport and, obviously, the witnesses do not feel protected. It would be nice to hear from people about what this committee could do to make life easier. I again thank the witnesses for coming before us today and educating me about the effects of LED light because I did not have a clue about it.