Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I too wish Martin Groves and Bridget Doody all the very best in their retirement. They have been here many years and for the past number of years they have been an enormous support to all of us here in the Seanad. It was a privilege to work with both of them. In the same breath, I wish the new Martin all the very best in taking up the mantle of Clerk of the Seanad. It is a very prestigious and important job within our democracy.

I welcome the Government's launch of the 2025 to 2030 disability strategy in the past couple of weeks. It is good that there is a new strategy and I welcome the commitment within the programme for Government that disability will be to the forefront in all facets of this Government. With that in mind, I propose that the Leader organise a debate on the new disability strategy with the Minister of State with responsibility for disability early in this new term. The strategy needs to be discussed, analysed and challenged. We have seen too often what is happening to the lives of people with disabilities and their lack of access to critical services and support. It means people with disabilities are not living lives equal to those of their peers. I am calling for that debate.

Similarly, I echo Senator Conway's comments on Moldova. Having gone to Moldova as part of the parliamentary friendship group in the previous Oireachtas under the leadership of Seán Ó Fearghaíl, I can attest there was fantastic work being done in Moldova ahead of what they hoped would someday be their accession to the EU. As convenor of the Moldovan friendship group this term, I will certainly be keeping a close eye on the events on Sunday. We will keep our fingers and toes crossed for the right result. The majority of Moldovans want to join the EU because they see the benefits of that.

I again wish Martin and Bridget the very best in their retirement and the new Martin the very best in his new role.