Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have moved on and we need radical social change.

Senator John O'Mahony spoke about inequality and exclusion. Senator Grace O'Sullivan supported the Bill and mentioned the cross-party position, and that activists are involved in the campaign. Some of us come from the community and voluntary sector and it is very important for any society to have good campaigners and activists, whether for international issues, human rights issues or issues such as this legislation.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins dealt with equality and justice. This is the type of Ireland we want to build and is something on which we must build. She also touched on the UN ratification. She spoke about the issue of real resources and this debate must take place all of the time. When we are in a downturn we must focus on where we want to spend limited resources. We have to make political decisions. Senator Higgins also spoke about the important matter of participation in broader society and in this debate. I have learned that it lifts everybody. I was in Donegal on Monday, and I met many children with physical disabilities in Dungloe. I saw children of seven or eight years of age with major physical elements and how they participated in society. I thought about their future. I spoke to their young parents, who are still very upset about finding themselves in this very difficult situation. The issue is the interaction between the people in the preschool services and other social care services and the key word is participation. It was refreshing to see that a group of young parents of young children with disabilities are coming through the system who will not let their children be treated as second-class citizens. It is important that we send this message.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell thanked the students and mentioned the importance of communication and how this particular legislation has been handled. Senator Maura Hopkins also pointed out the importance of this historic day in the Seanad and dealt with the issue of access to services. Senator Máire Devine spoke about the long road and the sense of belonging, and we need to listen when we are dealing with this legislation.

Senator Ivana Bacik spoke about the court system and interpretation issues. Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill and Rónán Mullen spoke about their great support for this legislation and the concept of respecting and having rights for all people with disabilities.

I thank Senator Mark Daly and all of the Senators for participating in the debate. Let us hope we can move on to the next phase.