Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate many of the Minister's comments because there are a few red flags in what the Green Paper is setting out. Maybe there is a bit of confusion there, as I have mentioned already.

The Minister has given reassurance there that all submissions will be considered. It is promising that she has already extended the deadline twice and is considering extending it further.

It is important to mention - it is not in the Minister's remit - the fact that the ratification of the optional protocol has not happened has added anguish to the situation for people with disabilities.

In Ireland, only one-in-three persons with disabilities has a job - one of the lowest shares in Europe and the OECD - which the Minister will be aware of.

There are major issues that have been expressed to me, as the representative in Clare. I hope that this Government will be able to make meaningful strides to provide greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities but, as it stands, this proposal may not be the way to go.

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