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

These are the issues, and I take on board the points raised by various Senators. I thank Senators Keith Swanwick, Victor Boyhan and John Dolan, and also Doreen Magee and all the team. I also thank Senators Mark Daly and Martin Conway for their magnificent contributions. I also wish to acknowledge my advisers on disability issues, including Gerry Maguire, who is in the House today, and Damian O'Farrell, both of whom have been very supportive in helping me to drive this forward. I also thank Senator Rose Conway-Walsh. The Senator has always been very involved in disability issues. I absolutely agree with her and Senator Conway on tax cuts versus services and on the issue of parents.

I received a lovely email today from a group of parents who thanked me, but they also asked me not to forget the parents. We must also not forget the brothers and sisters of people who have disabilities. They make a massive contribution. I thank Senators John Dolan, Joe O' Reilly, Maura Hopkins and Mark Daly. I mentioned Senator Daly earlier with regard to the Irish Sign Language.

I know and appreciate that the people involved in this debate tonight care passionately about the rights of all people with disabilities. In order to make this a reality, we have to put the services in place. It is my objective to do this over the next couple of months. I will work very hard in the interests of all people with disabilities and their families.