Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chairman and the witnesses today. On the impact on people with disabilities across the EU, how can countries within the EU work together to ensure alignment with the UNCRPD? Have lessons been learned here?

People with disabilities in Ireland were impacted significantly in loss of services by both the financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Can the witnesses discuss how we can ensure the most vulnerable are protected?

A further question which has already been highlighted is how we ensure effective implementation of the UNCRPD at local government level to ensure a co-ordinated approach. I know that Mr. Clarke spoke about Wicklow County Council where the roll-out has been quite slow. We have 31 local authorities and it is very important at local and national level that we have a co-ordinated approach and we need a plan for that. What are our witnesses' ideas on that?

Finally, what are our witnesses' views on a medical model of disability? We have not spoken about the medical area. I was wondering what we might do in that area because it will be a very important issue. I thank the speakers again.