Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to commend my colleague, Senator Dolan, on this fantastic legislation. Senator Dolan has worked tirelessly on this issue since he was elected in 2016. It truly is an honour to be part of this group. I also want to give credit to my colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, with whom I absolutely loved working. She will be sadly missed. I have no doubt about it.

Yesterday I was also at the briefing that was held by Senator Dolan. I was so moved by all of the stories. I wanted to stay for longer but unfortunately I had to leave a little early. Hearing some of those stories, it was shocking to think that people do not have basic human rights in this country. It really shocked me. I am sorry to say that I was not aware of how bad it was. I welcome this legislation. One young woman - I do not know if she is here today - asked us to close our eyes and imagine what it would be like to be in a wheelchair. This woman lived in Donegal. She said that things are okay in Dublin. One can get around or get on the Luas or a bus. Thankfully she changed things in Donegal with the fight that she had in her. She told us to imagine trying to get out of the house in a wheelchair, going to a bus station and being unable to get on the bus. That is taking place all around Ireland, which is really sad. This amazing young woman changed the bus route. She is now able to go from Derry to college in Sligo because she fought, perhaps with the Minister of State's help and certainly with that of Senator Dolan.

I want to commend my colleague. This is fantastic legislation. I am honoured. I thank my colleagues for asking me to be part of it and I hope it gets full support today.