Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the early days after I joined the committee, that was an issue that was brought before us. It is important if we are talking about accommodating people that the area around them is also fit for purpose. Numerous times at this committee I have raised the issue of making our play parks suitable for children with special additional needs. That is critically important. If we are looking for equality of opportunity, it starts in the playground for a child.

I am sorry that I used the wrong wording earlier. I will correct the record. The situation is the same with respect to CENA, which is a Traveller-approved housing body for which we are trying to get supports. I did not know until a few days ago that the St. Joseph's Foundation existed. It is about getting that information out to people.

People can be left waiting in our society. We have been waiting 23 years for a shower. It is appalling to think that is the case for a child or a family under stress. The brother of a friend of mine has a disability. When I first met my friend, the mum and dad used to look after the son. That was the job of the parents. The mother now has Alzheimer's disease and the father passed away a few years ago. My friend fought to get his brother into independent living. His brother can now walk up and down the bus and do anything anyone else can do. He is living an independent life through the supports we have for people. Our guests are doing their best but I do not believe the Government is doing its best. To me, it is simple to implement a measure that requires every park in this country to allow access to a child with a disability.