Ms Ber Grogan:

As Ms Coyle said about the optional protocol, a recommendation to have that ratified in this report would be helpful. As far as I know it is in the programme for Government and is being looked at, but to move that along. It was in our opening statement that there are reservations on Articles 12 and 14 of the UNCRPD that the State put forward at time of ratification. They water down our obligations under those articles. It would be important in the true spirit of the Act to have those reservations removed from Articles 12 and 14. Mr. Farrelly has just reminded me of the ambition and the change. Shine did an amazing job before us of bringing the voice of people with lived experience. I am well-versed in the UNCRPD at this stage. Under Article 4.3, we are obliged to involve people in the making of policy as well, such as people with psychosocial disabilities. It is not about us having these conversations without their input. It is about bringing that conversation to people with lived experience, getting their input at the start, rather than handing them the new and improved mental health services. If we do not have that input from the beginning - the committee has done a good job of making sure voices have been heard - we must keep that in mind for the whole process as we go through the Dáil, the Seanad and the Committee Stages.