Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for being here. I do not want to repeat what other members have touched on. People with disabilities should be at the heart of all discussions in society and should have a space in both Houses of the Oireachtas. Will the witnesses give practical suggestions in respect of how we can build expertise and capacity in disabled persons' organisations? Many of them are still working with very limited resources and volunteers. Is there anywhere the voluntary organisations can access the training and resources they need to strengthen their work on Article 11.

Ireland's representative organisation at the European Disability Forum is not a disabled persons' organisation. What impact does this have on the ability of Irish disabled persons' organisations to benefit from learning opportunities at an international level and to have meaningful engagement on the implementation of Article 11? Do the witnesses have examples or advice on how we can do better? Ms Naughton gave great examples from other countries. Without putting words into the mouths of the witnesses, can we in Ireland perform better? If so, how can we do it? We need the people themselves at the heart of it. Nothing about us without us. I come to every committee meeting with this in mind. Much of the time it seems people who have a disability are not included. We are here and we are doing the talking. Politicians are the best in the world at speaking on behalf of people instead of including them.

I have spoken openly about how proud I am of Ireland taking in Ukrainian refugees. Not all Ukrainian refugees are able-bodied people. There have to be people who have disabilities among them. What is the involvement of the witnesses in this?

Are people with disabilities around the table for discussions to integrate people from Ukraine with disabilities and other difficulties? That is my final point. Again, I thank the witnesses.