Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This has been an interesting discussion. I am sorry I had to leave to go to another meeting. If I repeat what others have said, please remind me.

Poverty and conflict will impact people with disabilities to a greater degree than people without disabilities. This is the case for those in low-income settings in particular. It sums up the challenges faced. It is good to see that slow and steady progress is being made to address poverty in all dimensions. I want to thank our guests for that. Would we have thought many years ago that we would be trying to address these changing issues? Now we are trying to ensure that everyone is included, including people with disabilities.

While Ireland is achieving 80%, and most people have alluded to this, globally only 50% of targets are on track. Without clapping ourselves on the back, we have come quite a way. If an economy is robust, that probably presents more choices to address. When the Government had to make hard decisions in 2011, I think Colm McCarthy was the economist who said the Government did not lack compassion; it just lacked money. That sums it up. If we are doing well economically, we have to redouble our efforts to ensure the people in attendance today can deliver.

Will the officials discuss the SDG implementation and A Better World? How were people with disabilities consulted? How are the benefits of SDG implementation for people with disabilities taken into account?

Will the officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs highlight how social inclusion of persons with disabilities and their deinstitutionalisation is included among the priorities in international investment programmes, including European structural funds and European investment funds, and in general harmonisation within the UNCRPD? When the Government is investing in stocks and shares, we are conscious that it should not be politically improper. There is something we need to work on here.

Finally, the Department noted that a mapping of all programmes and projects that support disability-inclusive development was undertaken. Disability inclusion work is evident across Ireland’s programme in over 51 countries. Will the officials discuss the situation, with approximately 130 countries included in Ireland’s programme?