Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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A level of 30% is still a long way off universal. It is interesting. When we are talking about disability, I feel it must be across all Departments. As Dr. Hartney said, one aspect is with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, but the issue is really with planning and regulation.

Sticking with a similar issue, a big bugbear of mine is the primary medical certificate. I have a particular constituent facing barriers to accessing her social life, job and appointments because she is waiting for the new version of the primary medical certificate. It has been recognised as not fit for purpose in its current format. The matter is currently with the Department of Finance. There is a need to come up with a new version, because there are criteria A to E currently. The girl I talked to had a foot at a 90° angle. If her foot was amputated, she could access the primary medical certificate, but because her foot is still on her body, she does not qualify. While we are waiting for new legislation, she is just not able to access independence, work and a social life. Do the witnesses have any views on where this should go? I do not know yet whether the matter is going to be with the Department of Health or the Department of Children, Disability and Equality or if it will stay with the Department of Finance.