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

I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Community Participation (Disability) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019. Moreover, I am delighted to have sat here and listened to the views of the Senators. I must pass on my compliments. It is their last time together as a group. I congratulate Senator Grace O'Sullivan and wish her well in Europe. It is very important that we have a voice for disabilities at European level. I also want to commend and thank Senators Ruane, Kelleher, Higgins, Conway, Boyhan and Black. I also welcome councillor Deirdre Donnelly, with whom I was glad to speak at a disability meeting before the local elections.

The important thing today is that a group of Senators and a councillor actually understand the disability issue and understand what the debate is about. I thank and commend them for that. I particularly commend Senator Dolan for putting the spotlight on disability. I mean that, even though I had not heard about the Galtymore story before.