Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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I might pick up on Ms Weldon's points about the negative connotations when we talk about disability. A number of opening statements today identified how rich and diverse the lives of women with disability are. Many are parents. Many are also carers. People who are not engaged with this discussion may not properly identify that many people in our society have a disability of one type or another, across a spectrum of disabilities, and they are living incredibly rich, diverse lives, which needs to be recognised by policy.

I want to use my time to focus on a particular part of that policy. I know Ms Ní Fhlatharta referred in her opening statement to how disabled women are often carers and sometimes work at the same time. One of the strongest recommendations of the citizens' assembly relates to the right to access flexible working. I have been on the Joint Committee on Disability Matters for some time. We have had many sessions on the incredibly low levels of employment among women with a disability. It strikes me that we are not doing enough to develop types of employment or access to employment that truly suits women who have caring responsibilities and-or disability to deal with. Could we talk a little about that? We have some legislation about working from home and we have work-life balance legislation. I notice that legislation is limited to carers and parents. That may be a missed opportunity and may pose a problem to parents who are looking for employment who would be eligible for that programme.

The EU structures for flexible working include things like job-sharing, the four-day week, working from home, remote working and flexible working. We have a four-day week pilot and yet not one Government Department or significant public body is participating in it. I would like to hand over to the witnesses and to hear about what would break down some barriers to employment. I know it is not just a matter of flexible working and that there are also issues relating to access to supports such as technology or personal assistance in the workplace. Should the pathways follow the person or the employment? How does one even navigate getting an interview? I would like to focus on that area if possible.