Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I contacted the head usher in order to book the audio-visual room for a presentation from the Irish Deaf Society prior to a Private Members' motion on Irish sign language which I have tabled and which is due to be taken next week. This is an extremely important issue which affects thousands of deaf people throughout the country who find it very difficult to communicate at the best of times. I was informed that it would not be possible to avail of the audio-visual room because the CPP has decided that NGOs are no longer allowed to use the facility. The latter is another example of the constructive removal of the voice of democracy in this country.

It is absolutely disgraceful that NGOs can no longer come to this complex in order to brief Members of Parliament in order to enhance their knowledge. Furthermore, my office received a telephone call from the head usher approximately 30 minutes ago in which he indicated that a briefing on restorative justice, which was due to be held on 15 October and arrangements in respect of which were made weeks ago, cannot proceed and that the relevant stakeholders have been informed.