Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McGrath. I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee and for their contributions. Most of them have met before and engaged, and it is always a pleasure. I find I learn so much from them and others who have come in here and shared their lived experience with us. As a committee, we have written to all Departments and reminded them that they have an obligation to invite DPOs into their committees to discuss areas of policy and have a responsibility to disability proof all policies and budgets. We will continue to do that. All of us in our respective parties need to do that, and I hope all members will do that because I committed to do so in my party. We have made calls for a register of DPOs. We think it is very important that happens as quickly as possible. There should be proper investment in DPOs to ensure they are in a position to consult all Government bodies, local authorities and any other relevant organisations. We have written to the Minister, but have not yet received a reply, regarding the requirement to register as a charity to be able to apply for funding, something Disabled Women Ireland raised with us. We think that is ridiculous. We need to move away from the charity model. We need a human rights model. We will continue to follow up on that issue. As usual, the witnesses have brought up lots of issues we need to reflect on, and we will continue to do that. I look forward to further engagement inside and outside of the committee.