Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware that the Cathaoirleach and the Acting Leader are very committed to matters around disability. This is the subject of my conversation this morning, and Senator Clonan has already spoken on it. The continuing denial of access to personal transport supports for people with disabilities is nothing short of shameful. This is the view of the Ombudsman, which we heard on "Morning Ireland" this morning, and which is included in the preface of the Ombudsman's official annual report. The Ombudsman, Mr. Ger Deering, said that he and his predecessors have been demanding reforms from the Government in this area for the past 12 years. He said "Despite this, I find myself having to once again highlight the current unfair and unacceptable situation" around disability matters. I understand that we may have a disability slot next Tuesday in the Seanad. This may yet have to be finalised but there is some possibility it might happen. If so, as part of that debate I ask that we would have a response specifically in respect of the Ombudsman and these matters that he raises. I was the Acting Chairman during the Commencement matters this morning and Senator O'Loughlin raised the issues of disabilities and supports. We need to do more. It is really important.

As Senator Joe O'Reilly has done, I would also like to draw attention to the INTO. It is an amazing organisation. I was at its briefing this morning. I join with Senator O'Reilly in asking for a debate on education. The area of education is so broad, however, that even the primary education sector and the four key asks from the INTO that were discussed this morning, could become the subject of a very focused debate if we could have it this side of the recess.