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

I welcome the comments from all Senators and totally endorse what they said, particularly about the exclusion of the deaf community. It is not acceptable any more and I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh that it is a civil rights issue. We are all on the same page in that respect.

In the emergency over the past couple of days, Senator Dolan is right that the intervention of the deaf community focused our minds. The good news is that people listened and responded to it. The days of exclusion are ending. We need to focus on this and ensure that every citizen in this State is treated in an equitable manner and that is part of my agenda. That is why I warmly welcome Senator Daly's Bill.