Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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Mr. Kearns, Mr. Walshe, Dr. Mooney and Ms Gilmartin, who is joining us online, are very welcome. In looking through some of the submissions they gave us last night, it really struck me how important it is to have a cross-cutting approach to ensuring disability proofing with regard to every policy that comes before every Department and every Minister.

I have a number of questions. I will put two to Mr. Kearns and Mr. Walshe, one to Dr. Mooney and then one general question to whoever wishes to respond. I totally agree with what Mr. Kearns said with regard to climate being as much about social justice as it is about correcting the damage we have done to our planet. He rightly pointed out that because of the level of poverty and exclusion people with disabilities experience, they may not be able to afford greener alternatives. They are absolutely impacted by any taxes that are introduced to mitigate and drive change. People with disabilities can be absolutely left behind in terms of the climate action response. Does Mr. Kearns have any further examples of this? Does he perhaps have any suggestions of the types of measures that might be needed to respond to it?

The ILMI made a recommendation regarding the review of the design manual for urban roads and streets. Deputy Tully gave a good example of how people with disabilities are impacted with regard to road users. When we try to do something to encourage cycling etc., it can have a negative impact on people with disabilities.

I would agree that a review is correct in terms of reflecting the expectations and commitments under the UNCRPD. Does Mr. Kearns have anything further he wants to add regarding the need to implement universal design principles in new developments in every area, including ICT, public transport, the built environment etc.?

With regard to the Paris Agreement and the fact that is obviously rights-based and requires different countries to address climate change and respect, promote and consider respective obligations on human rights when acting, will Dr. Mooney discuss with us how climate change policies can be developed to be more inclusive and more rights-based so that they align with the Paris Agreement?

I will put the general question to both witnesses if they have a comment to make. I refer to the concerning issue whereby thousands of children and adults with disabilities have become trapped in institutions and face the risk of being abandoned because of the Ukraine war. Obviously, there is also an impact in Ireland whereby we have a significant number of people with disabilities who are in institutes and congregated settings. How do we develop appropriate measures for these individuals so that they are safeguarded and supported during humanitarian emergencies?