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

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee and I apologise for missing the opening statements as I was attending the housing committee next door. I caught the end of Ms Johnstone outlining the reality of caring for her son, what it looks like on a day-to-day basis and how sometimes she has to make choices on behalf of her son. So do many other people who care for others in the interests of their safety. As Ms Johnstone said, there are grey areas. This story needs to be told. Family Carers Ireland has said it would like further engagement with the Minister directly on this so it can get that level of interaction. I am certainly happy to support the request for a meeting. Members of this committee feel it. I am a member of five committees and this is the one committee where people come in and share very personal lived experiences. It is probably in this forum that laws, regulations, attitudes and culture can be shaped by this sharing. I thank Ms Johnstone and Ms Cox for coming before the committee to share with us. This is how we as a committee will help to inform legislation and regulation.

I congratulate Ms Cox on taking on the challenge of a PhD. I read the statements in advance and I understand-----