Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join with others in welcoming the sports capital and equipment grants programme which will open next week. A detailed circular was issued early this morning. I have read three or four copies of it so it is out there. It is great news and to be commended. Sport is important to our health and well-being and we are all involved in it in the broader sense. It has lots of benefits. Well done to all involved. I wish applicants every success.

Further to last night's debate, I thank all who actively engaged. The debate on Senator Clonan's Private Members' Bill was one of the best debates we have had in the Seanad for a long time. I will not go back on it. The right decision was made and it is now going through to the next Stage. A Bill has to travel a long way. I was reminded in this context to ask what we can do to further people with disabilities. Today, many of us will have seen the letter from former Senator John Dolan, now of the Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI. He makes a few requests for the budget. In simple terms, DFI's budget focuses on sustainable disability, health and social care services; tackling high poverty levels and the cost of disability; ensuring community inclusion and participation; and realising Housing for All in the context of the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027.I suggest we lend our support and use our contacts within the Oireachtas to make representations on behalf of DFI and support this genuine ask. I thank the former Senator, John Dolan, for this ongoing and continued advocacy work for people with disabilities.