Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. It is absolutely fascinating to see technology being used in this way. I have a specific question on mental health. Are there any specific e-health programmes or projects on mental health to support people on the islands or in rural communities? Would there also be anything specific for children with additional needs? As we know, whether one is urban or rural, the support services are really bad and very difficult to access. I can only imagine what it must be like on an island, if one has a child with additional needs.

With reference to disability access, in Dublin 15 at the moment we have the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living, which is currently doing a Make Way week. If anybody is parking on a footpath, or if there is signage in the way or a café has a board outside, they are making people aware of the issues facing people with disabilities regarding access and being able to move around. From my limited experience on islands, I just cannot imagine how people with disabilities manage on islands. I echo calls for supports to be put in place.