Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt the Minister's commitment but we need to move it on. I would like to quote from Peter Tyndall's report:

The reports published by the Ombudsman since 2012 highlight the same issues over and over again. I am very concerned that the issues identified appear to have effectively been ignored and that nine years later, there is no evidence of any real progress that would serve to enhance the lives of those for whom these schemes were intended to assist with their daily lives. This is of huge concern to me.

As Ombudsman it is my obligation and privilege to speak out when I see unfairness or injustice in the administration of our public services. Living with a disability in Ireland in 2021 should never mean that a person is grounded in their home, unable to participate equally and actively in their community and in work. Another working group or action plan is not enough. Those people who are adversely affected by the current lack of access to transport supports require immediate and decisive action.

[...] I hope this commentary provides a timely reminder to legislators and policy makers as to the urgency of progressing work so that we are not looking at this issue again in another nine years. Progress must now be quick and comprehensive.

I wanted to read that into the record of the House. It is very striking.

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