Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for missing the opening statements. I am on another committee that meets at the same time. No matter how much we might want to, politicians have not mastered bilocation just yet, but I have read the submissions. I thank everyone for those.

I was struck by what Mr. Harris said about the English language barrier facing people with disabilities from Ukraine in accessing services and supports and getting to Ireland. While it seems obvious and we mention it regularly when talking about making the trip across Europe from Ukraine, it is an added and complex dimension for people with disabilities. Has Mr. Harris ideas about how we might better plan for and support people in that situation?

I have heard on the ground about the great work that WALK is doing in physically helping people to make that journey and in providing services in Ireland. I commend it in that regard.

Dr. McDonagh appeared before our committee once, if not twice, previously, so she is a veteran at this point. She noted that people were reporting being trapped or abandoned at home and in institutions, that they were lacking medicine, food, water, information and shelter as a result and that the women in particular were at greater risk of sexual violence. That is a stark warning and our committee would benefit from any advice she has on how we might better provide on-the-ground intervention to safeguard against such problems.