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

I thank all of the witnesses for coming before the committee today to highlight the importance of assistive technology. I was particularly struck by how they outlined the crucial role it can have in communication, as well as just the reminder of the basic importance of communication in the dignity of the individual and the capacity to live as independently as possible. Unfortunately, we know the reality in Ireland is that many people do not have access to technologies that could help to transform their lives. To realise our commitments under the UNCRPD, we need systems and resources to ensure everyone who needs assistive technology or equipment receives it.

I have quite a few questions so if there is not time to respond, written replies would be great. My first question is to the IASLT. The witnesses explained the role of augmentative and alternative communication, which can be used to supplement or replace speech and the variety of cases where it may be used by individuals across their lives. However, that requires them to be able to access IASLT services and supportive speech and language therapists. Can the witnesses give us a sense of how long people have to wait before they get to see a therapist and the timescales involved between therapists recommending a form of AAC and the person getting the necessary equipment and technology?

The IASLT also highlighted the many issues with progressing disability services, which is a frequent topic of conversation in this committee and in the committee on children. The witnesses point out that in some cases there is no local access to specialist supports for children and families. They spoke about retention and placements. We know many people are leaving the disability sector in general and the children's disability network teams are always seen as a place people do not want to work, so a lot of work needs to be done in that area. Having worked in disability support services for years, I think we need a kind of campaign around how rewarding it can be and we need to put a plan in place, with multi-annual funding, so people really feel like the service is going to improve and that it would be a nicer place to work, which is very important. From the perspective of the IASLT, what needs to happen for the development of those pathways and, ultimately, for clients to be able to access the AAC supports?

The witnesses mentioned that October is AAC awareness month and pointed to the larger societal changes necessary to improve understanding of AAC. Will they outline measures or policies that State bodies should have to ensure the equal and active participation of people who use AAC?

Professor MacLachlan discussed the role of new legislation on AT and ACC, recognising them as cross-cutting mediators of human rights and ensuring a more systematic and appropriately funded approach across sectors. Will he elaborate on what he means by this and the difference such legislation would make?

He also mentioned development of an assistive product list for Ireland. Can he discuss for the committee the significance of that? He referred to the concept of a justice-orientated digital framework which considers how fair access to digital capabilities and infrastructure can reduce inequality. Will he outline for the committee what that would look like and its increasing importance?