Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ms Kilcawley just said someone needs to be 16 years old to have a guide dog, which is something I was not aware of. There needs to be a relaxation of the rules to bring it to 14 or something like that. Perhaps the criterion of waiting until 16 needs to be explored. I know how valuable and necessary it is to have a guide dog.

Mr. Delaney spoke about supporting women to run for election, Dáil na nÓg, climate change and everything with disability. That is certainly something we can bring back from this meeting. I know he worked with Shane Ross on having people with disability appointed to State boards. That has been a significant voice and I thank Mr. Delaney for bringing that in. It was something that people did not think about or perhaps denied. We want this committee to be a voice. I know the Chair is very focused on ensuring that whatever is said here today does not just go into the ether and that it is brought back. Each and every one of us is anxious to do that.

If a bus in the UK has a requirement for a wheelchair such as those used by Mr. Moran, Mr. Nelson or Ms Smith, surely we should be able to follow that model. I again thank the witnesses for coming in today and telling it as it is. Along with the Chair, I will certainly bring those views back.