Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have a query about this. This is about co-operation and arrangements for co-operation by the executive with housing authorities and the Ministers for Health, Social Protection and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. That is fine. That kind of co-ordinating role is essential. There are many aspects to the disability issue and it crosses many Departments. I think there are other Departments that are equally relevant, if not more relevant, to people living with disabilities. I do not know why this involves housing authorities rather than the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister for Transport is a key Minister with regard to providing access and mobility for people. The Department of Transport is also key and is relevant to people with disabilities.

Besides just employment, messages relating to education and training are important. The proper training courses need to be available and accessible. Why is the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science not referred to too? There is a big challenge in getting all of those Departments on the same page and keeping the focus on meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Why are some named when others, which seem very relevant, are not named?