Mr. Eddie Hennessy:

In Chile, the national disability agency works directly with the economic development agency to deliver targeted grants, mentoring and access to procurement - a simple and effective model Ireland could adapt. Both examples show what happens when the government takes ownership - progress follows. Here, in Ireland, the State already recognises the cost of disability for employees through the wage subsidy scheme yet when a disabled person becomes self-employed, there is no equivalent support even though the same disability affects productivity and income. So my questions to the committee are: why does the State recognise the cost of disability for employees but ignore it for entrepreneurs? Will the committee push for an equivalent support scheme for disabled entrepreneurs who are people who create their own jobs and contribute to the economy despite systemic barriers?

Too often, disability policy focuses on care instead of capability but many of us are capable, ambitious and creative; we just need the system to stop getting in our way. This is not about economics; this is about dignity, independence and identity. For many of us, self-employment is not a luxury; it is a realistic way to participate in work. Ireland can and should lead in this area. I am nearly finished. Disabled people are already contributing to the economy by employing others and building solutions, but most of them are doing it despite the system, not because of it.

I appreciate the Chair and Members' time for inclusion. My hope is that this committee will use its influence to ensure that the commitments under the national human rights strategy translate into defined responsibilities, measurable outcomes and targeted supports.

Without that, this issue will be passed around and quietly forgotten. I thank the committee for listening, and for giving me this opportunity to bring a lived experience to today's discussion.