Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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On the age issue, I agree with Mr. Deering regarding the employment aspect. My other query concerned people being disqualified at a certain age from the scheme. As I understand it, that was one of the key findings regarding where the motorised transport scheme was in conflict with the Equal Status Acts. Again, the concern here is that this might be a wider issue in respect of the intersection of age and disability. I gave the example regarding the social protection system, where people at a certain age are simply treated as being older and their disability needs are no longer recognised by the system. I would welcome a comment from Mr. Deering on this point, if he has one. I refer to what the response should have been when that conflict was identified and should wider consideration be given to other places where this is occurring. Does Mr. Deering think that, instead, this context contributed to the retreat from addressing this problem?