Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank People Before Profit for bringing forward this worthy motion. It is clear that people with disabilities are not being funded properly. I think of the €29 million that was wasted on the referendums and what it would do for people with disabilities.

All of us like to have a place to go and something to do to make us relevant. I ask that we ensure that young people who become disabled, due to accidents or whatever else, are helped to allow them to do something. They want to be relevant. They may have lost most of their faculties but they still have some and should be allowed to use them.

One shining example in that regard is Mr. Ian O'Connell in Kerry. Most of his faculties were paralysed but he has become a beacon for all people with disabilities through the wonderful programme he hosts on Radio Kerry every Wednesday night. It is wonderful to listen to him. Even though he had such a disabling accident, he is doing wonderfully.

It is great to hear him each Wednesday night on Radio Kerry because it proves that people with disabilities can play a role in our lives.

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