Mr. Charlie Lamson:

To pick up on that, in November, Sightsavers engaged in some research on this subject. This ties into both Ireland's historic view of overseas aid, engagement and its place in the world, and its awareness of and levels of concern about the specific issue of disability. We found that Ireland still has a very proud position in the world with regard to its long engagement in overseas aid. This engagement continues from the missions of the past into today. With regard to the issue of disability within the State, we found that the issue has not really been brought to people's attention to the extent to which it could be. People essentially left that part blank. They were not quite sure and had not thought about it. To me that represents a tremendous opportunity. In this conversation we have been talking about the nexus between domestic policy and focus and international focus. Especially in a state of Ireland's size, these can tie in together to create a conversation about disability regardless of where one is.

Sightsavers is launching a programme in primary schools which aims to raise issues around the sustainable development goals with a specific focus on the issue of disability precisely because of the fact that when the pupils are at that age and in primary school, the programme will have a lasting impression and will form citizens who are focused on these issues. I was delighted to hear the Deputy talk about that. There is a real opportunity in that space. To tie that into the broader question of why we are here, if we are looking at giving people hope, we have to create a future for them.

There have to be sustainable processes to hardwire disability inclusion into Government and Irish Aid policy. The more awareness there is of the issue domestically, the more we can advance the international issues. I see many different synergies and I think the point is important.