Mr. Joe McGrath:

From the platform's point of view and as one of the representatives in the DPO Network, I believe that with regard to everything Deputies do in the Dáil concerning legislation and money, we should all be consulted so all our opinions will be taken into account. We are not all looking for big pots of money; we just want our basic rights met under the UNCRPD. It is very important that in the work I do to make a bit of money for myself, I have my rights met and have protections under employment law. In setting up DPO networks and DPO organisations, we should be given reasonable funding in order that we can be consulted at all times to the benefit of our members. I am delighted to be part of the network. The platform could not be consulted all the time as members are working and holding down part-time jobs. If we were given a contribution towards attending meetings, we might be able to take a day off work. Every organisation looking for Government funding should be consulted at all times in respect of legislation in the Dáil. Our opinions should at least be taken into consideration by the Government when it is putting budgets together in the next five years.