Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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Recommendations are important but they only count when there is funding and enforcement. As previous speakers said, if one is sitting here again in 20 years and there is no change, that will not be good. We need to make sure that there is a plan of action, and enforcement and funding for recommendations. All of us, no matter what political party we are in, need to work together for that. There needs to be significant cultural awareness, as previous speakers said. That would open many doors. In my constituency, mental health is important, as are apprenticeships. It is worrying that young men want apprenticeships and cannot get them. That is not right. This is 2019 and men and women who want apprenticeships cannot get sponsors. That is worrying and needs to be examined. We discussed housing, which is a significant issue, and the supports available, whether one is looking for a bathroom adaptation grant, for work on windows or doors or a ramp that might be needed. There are some supports, which are welcome, but we need to work to have more supports. It is worrying that there is 80% unemployment. I support these recommendations and all of us working together can make that change. The witnesses have spoken well and everything that I was about to say has been said, so well done to them for coming to outline their recommendations.