Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh:

It is a very good question. What I would say is we have always relied on Europe to embarrass our legislators into doing the right thing. We have seen it with Travellers and with refugees.

We have seen it throughout history that when Ireland does not behave, Europe has to step in. In terms of crisis, I would say the lack of strategies and implementation has led to a vast load of crises. I would also say that there is an inertia around disability services access and citizenship. Lastly, the previous Deputy asked about young people. At this time of year, there are two very serious issues for young people with disabilities. One issue would be around access to reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate, in order to be able to do the leaving certificate and apply for third level. The other issue is rural transport to local primary and secondary schools. They are just two examples of the inertia.

We do not seem to learn. However, I resist being cynical. I believe Ireland has the potential to be a leader. The UNCRPD is a map and within that map we have an opportunity and the potential to look at all of the articles and integrate them into our overall legislative structure. Again, for IHREC, it is about achieving our goals. We have four particular issues: deprivation of liberty, the right to independent living, and tackling the issue of violence in general towards disabled people but specifically gender-based violence. I am nervous. What was the fourth one, Dr. Elliott? Oh yes, access to justice.

I do not want to tell the committee that there is not a crisis. We all have individual crises around services but I believe there is a way forward. I believe Ireland has enough money to do what needs to be done.