Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I apologise for being late and for having to leave early. I congratulate the witnesses and thank them for their presentation. I have read their substantial documentation and have put it on file upstairs for future reference. I thank Dr. Keogh for acknowledging the Government's efforts to fine-tune its overseas development aid programme through Irish Aid. I have a great deal of experience of Africa, having lived there for four years. In comparing the facilities that are available in premier western countries to treat people with disabilities with the ability of countries like Sierra Leone that have emerged from war to look after such people, we need to bear in mind the presence of indigenous illnesses like malaria in such countries. The effects of malaria can have a damaging effect on the brain. Similarly, I remember that the Masai people used to put stuff on their hair - I think it was cow dung - and blindness was a significant problem for them. When one compares the ability of various societies to treat people with disabilities as equals, it is clear that we have greater prospects in that regard in the west. That is why the sustainable development goals are of key importance. They reflect an international commitment to treat everybody as an equal citizen of the world. I congratulate the witnesses and ask them to keep up the good work. I apologise again for having to leave the meeting.