Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Kenyan delegation here this afternoon. My late uncle, who only passed away in the past couple of weeks, served as a Kiltegan missionary in Lodwar and Kataboi around the Lake Turkana area. He set up the fishing industry there. His name was Fr. Jim Brady.

I welcome the European disability and parking card, which passed in the European Parliament. This card will allow for special access to public transport and other facilities for people with disabilities. This card will act as proof of disability status across all EU countries and will grant cardholders access to special conditions when using public transport, visiting cultural attractions and more. It can ensure free entry or discounted fees, priority access, personal assistance and mobility aids to the cardholder. It can ensure access to an extended parking space, reserved parking space or reduced-cost parking space. An improved version of the EU parking card with a common format will also replace the current card, which is not always recognised due to present differences in formats across member states. Establishing an EU-wide disability card to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and reserved parking, is a welcome measure. I am sure all of the people who have disability cards and parking cards will be delighted to see this is being rolled out through the EU.