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

I thank the witnesses for coming here today. We heard their messages on what needs to be done loud and clear. I have been on this committee for a little more than a year. I have been in the Dáil for 22 years and this committee is like none other. We come to listen. Our Chair advocates very strongly in this area. We have brought many Departments and stakeholders together. We have found over the years and on many occasions that committees and Departments can be in their own silos. Our job is to bring them all together to deal with this very serious issue.

We heard the views, opinions and advice of the witnesses. I think that the incoming Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, will establish a committee in the Cabinet to deal with these issues. I have found that if there any blockages, there is nowhere better than the Department of the Taoiseach to deal with them. I heard loud and clear the call to ratify the optional protocol to the UNCRPD. We aim to do so this year. This is a commitment and a step forward. I believe it will be carried out by the end of the year.

Over the years, we have seen various issues with medical cards. Sometimes it is a matter of getting people to work together. That is what the Chair and this committee are doing in a united way. I again thank the witness for their sometimes emotional and often stern advice. We heard the messages loud and clear.