Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to those who suffered tragedy in Orlando, which was quite shocking. I wish to see equality, awareness of disability and of difference and diversity become a mandatory component of primary education in this country. As legislators, we can introduce the most forward thinking, radical legislation one could possibly imagine to prevent inequality, prejudice and people being treated in a bad way but no matter what we do we must change people's mindset. The only way we can do that is through education. The reason I make such a call is because in one seaside resort in County Clare, in recent months, a person of small stature was hired by ladies on a hen party. He was chained to the hen and displayed in a most despicable and vulgar manner, and it was portrayed in the media as entertainment. It was not entertainment; it was a disgraceful abuse of somebody who is of small stature. We can introduce legislation in this House but we will not stop such things happening. The only way we can stop it is by creating awareness among young people so that future generations will not consider such behaviour as a form of entertainment worth paying for.

This country is a great and the vast majority of people who go on weekends away, be they stag parties, hen parties or any other kind of entertainment, behave themselves and act in a respectful manner. Unfortunately, a minority does not, and the only way to eliminate them is through education. I call on the Leader to organise for the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to talk about reviewing the primary school curriculum in a way that embeds, embraces and delivers equality and disability awareness in a way that is meaningful and will make a difference.