John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last night's decision of the Dáil to unanimously agree to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was regarded as a reason to celebrate. My celebration was to go home with my daughter, Ruth, who visited the Houses for the debate, and have a cup of tea with my wife, Liz. The celebration part was that I was allowed to have a biscuit. We chatted about who said what during the debate. I visited the Dáil for the debate to listen to speakers from all parties and none and I respect the interest they showed in the issue. Many disabled people were in the Public Gallery and references were made to individuals who should have been present for the occasion. Apart from sadness, I was also struck by the thought that there is no time to lose in this work.

This is the morning after and today we celebrate International Women's Day. My celebration was appropriate because we have only secured agreement to get on with the major challenge we face. As a result of the decision of the Oireachtas, Ireland is finally acting to make its disabled people free and equal. The commitment given by An Taoiseach on his election to deliver ratification by the end of 2017 was a critical moment of leadership. As politicians, we love to speak. Last night's agreement to ratify the convention moves us out of the realm of speaking and into the difficult and dangerous space of taking action. Action must be purposeful and skilfully executed.

In August 1942, the allied attack on Dieppe was a disaster from which the allies learned that land, sea and air forces must work together. Government must act as a unit and An Taoiseach must show leadership and relentless drive. He and all of his Ministers must act as one to form what I describe as a disability inclusion strategic implementation unit. When the boss smells gas, we all smell it because it becomes everyone's job. I am grateful to the Leader for the commitment he gave to hold a debate on the implementation of the convention. Senators have control over the work of the House. With only 60 Members, the Seanad is a small House and we should work together, not sheepishly but critically and with respect.

I will suggest a few steps we can take. The first is to debate the implementation of the convention. Every Senator is either a party or group spokesperson or member of a joint Oireachtas committee and all of us are members of a parliamentary group. We must think about disability inclusion at every meeting. We must meet people with disabilities and listen directly to their experience of life in Ireland today. Let us consider inviting people with disabilities to the Seanad to listen to them and set a good example.

I am about to write to the leaders of every political party and group seeking a meeting to discuss their plans for implementing the convention and ensuring implementation becomes a whole-of-Government project. Ten years from now, on International Women's Day 2028, it would be great if our disabled citizens could say Ireland is theirs and is a great, hopeful and warm place for disabled people to live in and in which they can thrive.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach commenced proceedings by referring to International Women's Day. As I have stated previously, women are often the great backstop when it comes to disability and chronic illness. Delivery of the UN convention would provide great practical emancipation and support to many women. I thank all Senators for the support and encouragement they have offered me in my work since entering Seanad Éireann.