Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their time. I wish them all a belated happy International Women's Day. Yesterday, I was feeling a little International Women's Day fatigue because we are constantly waiting for stuff to happen. Here we are again talking about how we are waiting for things to happen.

The witnesses spoke about the importance of self-advocacy. As politicians, we understand its importance. We are advocating, but we are also hearing from people, and we best hear those who are best at self-advocating. This shows the importance of self-advocacy, but it also scares the hell out of me because the people who are not self-advocating are in the worst shape.

Ms Coates referred to the self-advocacy course she took. What difference did it make for her? Would she recommend it for everyone in school right up to an appropriate age? Everyone should be a self-advocate regardless of age or need. Ms Coates is clearly a great advocate for herself and others.