Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Last night, I was delighted and honoured to attend a co-presentation, by Inclusion Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland, of the Blue Teapot Theatre Company performance of "Sanctuary". This play, which was written by Christian O'Reilly, explores the intimate relationships between persons with intellectual disabilities and highlights a little-known law, which impacts on the lives of unmarried persons with an intellectual disability and seeks to prevent them from having healthy intimate relationships, a topic which we have raised previously. It refers back to the mental capacity Bill. I call on the Leader to ascertain when this Bill will come before the House and will be moved on.

In my role as spokesperson for disability, I regularly meet groups and local persons with a disability and I am aware of the issues facing those with a disability in Ireland. I am committed to advocating, in the Seanad and elsewhere, on behalf of those with a disability. We need to continue to strive to create the most inclusive society possible for all citizens regardless of their ability or disability. I look forward to meeting the self-advocacy group from Inclusion Ireland later today to discuss a range of issues and concerns for those with disabilities. I look forward to engaging with this group and working with it in the coming months.

I would also raise the fact that tomorrow, Friday, 5 December, at 5 p.m., is the closing date for applications for the scheme for ladies with symphysiotomy. However, there is scope for those in exceptional circumstances who wish to make further applications and applications will be received under those circumstances up until 14 January. I would urge all who are interested in claiming this to have their application, which is user-friendly and simple to fill in, in by the closing date.