John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House. I wish them both, as well as all Members, well. While they may have different views, they all are a family in respect of the work they are committed to doing as part of the Oireachtas. I wish to take a moment to remember a former member of this House with whom I became very friendly many years ago, namely, Joe Doyle, and to send my regards to his wife, Peggy, and family. He was a lovely man and I worked closely with him a number of times.

In respect of Orlando, in one way it absolutely and horrendously is an attack on a community. Members also must understand, within that horrendous context, that it is an attack on democratic participation.Democracy guarantees that every life, no matter whose, is sacred and as valuable as anyone else's. I have been heard say before that the issue of disability is not a sectoral one but a societal one. In the same way as for any group in society that is being attacked or is not getting fairness, it is an attack on a whole society.

Carers' week has been mentioned already. I was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in its launch on Monday morning. I will bring two insights to this. First, the great majority of carers in this country, up to 80%, are female. I would put this thought to us all here: what more practical way to support, liberate and encourage the full participation of women in society than to take the yoke of 24-7 caring from them as best we can? The other point I would make about caring is that one does not just become a carer and cease being a lover or relative - son, brother, father, mother or whatever. It is something that comes with living but it should not be something that absolutely consumes the person involved.

My being here is a function of getting support from everybody from right across the political spectrum, not only the Members of both Houses here but particularly the local authority members. I was extremely struck - it was an eye-opener to me and it is a reflection on some of the points already made this morning - by the fantastic and often unsung work that members of local authorities are doing, and the commitment and heart that they bring to it.

Every entity in the Oireachtas is in support of the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is to be ratified by the end of this year. My request to this House and, indeed, the Leader is to ensure that we can bring that flavour of inclusiveness for persons with disabilities, their families and carers into our every debate and consideration.