Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. It must be borne in mind that while some would say these communities are economically insignificant, they are living, breathing parts of our culture and must be supported. The Minister of State has said that quite clearly this morning. I am concerned about the issue of consultation. The Minister of State has outlined details of his direct engagement with the islanders, which is critical. If one looks back at the early negotiations of the UN treaty for persons with disabilities, the parties were drafting a treaty and thinking they were doing the best for people with disabilities, but there was very little consultation with those affected. Groups representing people with disabilities came up with the phrase "Nothing about us without us." From that moment on, proper consultation took place, and the result was the successful negotiation of that treaty. In the same vein, consultation with the islanders is key here.