Ms Shelly Gaynor:

I thank the committee for having me as a presenter, along with my colleagues, Mr Walshe and Mr. Kenny. Irish disabled people were one of the first users of a personal assistance service, PAS, in Europe, yet more than 30 years later, we are one of the few EU countries where disabled people do not have a right to this service. Independent Living Movement Ireland’s vision, as a cross-impairment disabled person’s organisation, is an Ireland where disabled persons have freedom and self-determination over all aspects of their lives to participate fully in an inclusive society. We believe a right to a PAS for disabled people is fundamental to achieving that vision. A right to a PAS, among other issues such as true representation, inclusive participation and real accessibility, is fundamental for disability equality to be achieved in the State.

I will define what a PAS is. A PA is hired to assist us with a range of day-to-day tasks that we cannot physically do for ourselves. Many of us say PAs are the “extension of our limbs” and they are “our eyes and ears”. With PAS we are in control and direct the PA to carry out tasks both inside and outside of the home, including personal care, domestic duties, assisting in day-to-day tasks such as shopping, support in the workplace or socialising. A PA does not “look after” or “care for” us. We delegate these tasks to our PAs and in doing so take back control of our lives. A distinct benefit of a PA is that it reduces our dependency on family and friends. I will hand over to Mr. Kenny.