Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am a bit hoarse today, so excuse me. I welcome all the witnesses. All of us are learning, and it is so important that we all play our role.

First, will the witnesses discuss the level of discrimination that people with disabilities in Ireland still face as well as any international best practice in tackling discrimination? Will they discuss further how discrimination can be removed to increase the uptake of people with disabilities in employment? Sorry - I hope the witnesses can understand me. It is not too often I have no voice. What changes are needed to see transition to the social model of disability? What models of independent living and inclusion in the community for people with significant support needs have been successful, including international best practice?

I was reading Mr. Gohery's opening statement. I have a few cases in Carlow involving Iarnród Éireann. Mr. Gohery referred to seating and policies for people with disabilities. In my constituency, there are small train stations that are not manned any more. As a result, the toilet facilities are not open. It is a major issue. I see it daily, and I feel there are huge challenges.

When Mr. Gohery says that the State has continued to fail disabled people, he is right, unfortunately. We here have a duty of care to make sure we continue to work with them. Deputy Ellis spoke about budget 2024. How do we change consultation and implementation? How do the witnesses see us being able to make a bigger impact in concentrating on our budget for 2024?

Lastly - and I really felt that this summed everything up - Dr. Casey stated:

The UNCRPD cannot be implemented locally, regionally, or nationally without investment. It is time to ensure disabled people are resourced to collectively have our voices heard. It is time for "Nothing About Us Without Us" to become a reality.

That is factual. As I said, we all need to do more. I see it every day in my constituency, even when it comes to employment. There are doors there that we need to look at opening. Again, I apologise about my voice.