Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their opening statements and for the benefits of their obvious knowledge, advice and expertise in this area. I commend Mr. Hennessy, in particular, for his courage and commitment, and indeed his determination to succeed in this area.

I want to raise a couple of matters. The representative from The Wheel mentioned young children at school and stated they are the workforce of the future. This area needs attention. Are there specific recommendations for the education system so as to prepare the children effectively for employment in the future?

The funding of charitable and voluntary organisations involved with The Wheel was mentioned. To what extent is funding available? Is there a lack of funding? Has The Wheel a funding target, and to what extent has the current funding not met that target?

On the contribution from the representative of the European Disability Forum, I am wondering about the possible loss of secondary benefits for disabled people who enter employment in other European countries. How exactly does it work?