Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Today's discussion on accessibility in the built environment, information and communication is fundamental in terms of the capacity of individuals and whole groups to exercise their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, UNCRPD. In this committee we have tried to foreground the social model understanding of disability. That is relevant to this discussion as we can see how poorly designed systems create barriers. While many of the issues we deal with come down to a lack of public services or personal assistance, today we are examining matters that could be resolved through good and inclusive design. I was struck by the numerous examples that Mr. Kenny gave of accessibility, which was very impactful.

My question is for the ILMI and AsIAm. As disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, what is their level of engagement with Government Departments and public bodies in the development of policies, practices and laws that impact their members? Article 4 of the UNCRPD requires engagement on legislation and policies relating to persons with disabilities, but from all I have heard, this is rarely adhered to.

When it came to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the most alarming parts of the legislation arose from non-consultations with designated public officials, DPOs, and people directly affected. I understand Article 4 should extend to all areas, such as transport infrastructure, involving Transport Infrastructure Ireland working with our guests in developing requirements for public transport vehicles, or for all State bodies to seek input in making websites fully accessible. Are Departments and public bodies engaging with these groups? In relation to that, what is their capacity as organisations to carry out that kind of work and what type of no-strings-attached funding and support should the Government be giving these organisations to allow them to operate independently and to fulfil all those roles? So many of the issues discussed today could be avoided if the State complied with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.