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

I, too, apologise as I am due in the Dáil in a few minutes. Members have to come and go. I thank our guests for coming in. What I have heard so far has been very distressing. It is worrying. There seems to be a lack of communication, which is not fair on our guests, whether it is through education or through the Department. That is a worry. The committee needs to consider this matter. The witnesses referred to the different areas. How can supports for deaf people and those with severe hearing loss be mainstreamed into the national health plan? I ask that question because we are getting ready for budget 2024. What meaningful supports are needed for the deaf community to participate in society on an equal basis? That is important. In the context of the Disability Act 2005, what needs to be updated to effectively reflect the needs of the deaf community? That is a concern. These are serious questions that need to be asked. There was reference to education and schools. My understanding is that many deaf children or adults are being educated in deaf schools.

Do our guests feel children are segregated because of their access to mainstream classes and do they feel that in their community? Again, it is so important that there is the correct information in that regard. I thank all our guests. The information provide today is absolutely vital.