Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

On the question of all major developments, how many times in the Minister of State's town and my town have we seen people in wheelchairs who cannot use the footpaths. They use their electric wheelchairs on the main road because they cannot access the footpaths and buildings like everyone else. I stress the need for proper advocacy and, while I acknowledge the Minister of State's integrity in using the word adequate, I do not think it is strong enough. I do not think the rights of people with disabilities are strong enough in this legislation and this concerns me deeply.

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