John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today is world day against hunger. We also heard about the recent terrible bombings in Mogadishu in Somalia. Up to 300 people were killed and clearly multiples of that number will have been injured, with whole families destroyed. At home we had Hurricane Ophelia, and while it is true to say that things are relative in this world, there are three families, one in Waterford, one in Tipperary, and one in Louth, that are ripped apart and will be so forever as a result of their tragic losses yesterday.

I want to focus on a particular issue related to yesterday, namely, Irish Sign Language interpretation. I want to show appreciation for the swift action that was taken when issues were raised by my office directly with RTÉ and with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran. In particular I thank the Leader of this House, Senator Buttimer, for his support yesterday afternoon in making sure that there was Irish Sign Language interpretation for the media briefings.I seek a number of assurances, including that the Office of Emergency Planning would have sign language interpretation for all such media briefings; that local authorities would have a register of people, including people with disabilities and various illnesses, who are vulnerable in terms of their households not having an electricity supply; that there would be a review, when we are over this, of measures for people with disabilities and others who are vulnerable in respect of emergencies; and that Members remember that we have signed up to the sustainable development goals, which clearly refer to people with disabilities and others when it comes to emergency situations.

As others have done, I want to thank neighbours, community groups and volunteers and commend the national Government and local government response, notwithstanding the criticisms I have. All our public services performed well over the weekend and yesterday, alongside local community groups and local efforts. It is great to know that Ireland can pull all its public services and community groups together. I would love to see the day when this is our everyday response to the needs of people, as distinct from this being something we pull out of the hat when there is an emergency. Can the Oireachtas lead the way? We should respond like this to people and their needs on an ongoing basis.