Eileen Flynn (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State to her new role and wish her every success. I care deeply about people with disabilities in this country, about issues of access of care and about having their needs met. When I am listening to myself, I am conscious of referring to people with disability as "them" and "they". Everybody should have equality of opportunity. I do not believe there is any such thing as equality. Everybody is different but it is about meeting a person where they are at and seeing an individual first.

I congratulate Senator Clonan on bringing this important legislation through the Houses. I have been privileged along with the Civil Engagement Group to work with the Senator for the past four and a half years on bringing about important and meaningful change for disabled people. This legislation will do that. It is only three sections. Yesterday, I was talking about women's rights in the Houses and about wearing the colour orange. A woman could be getting beaten up and she does not care what colour you are wearing. It is the same way for people with disabilities.

There are some organisations in the Houses today. I welcome that. It is important we welcome all people to the Houses. One of the activists said to me it was a photo opportunity and it was not even disability day. I said that I had spent many a year being a token with organisations up and down the country. What Senator Clonan is doing is action. I am aware the Minister of State asked the Department to support the first part of the Bill today. We welcome that, but we ask the Minister of State to continue to support what the Senator is trying to do and to listen to activists on the ground. After this discussion, she could go to the Members' restaurant and meet with some of the activists here today.

People are tired of all of us do-gooders talking and saying we want the best for disabled people, women or Travellers. We are all talk and no action, but Senator Clonan has done a piece of work around this Bill. It is three simple changes but it is really effective.

I am delighted the Minister of State is supporting the legislation and so are my Civil Engagement Group colleagues. I always say when talking to Ministers here that they can be part of a legacy that was positive and changed people's lives or they can be part of the same old, same old. I hope with all my heart for the sake of people with a disability that the Minister of State is the one who will make changes and work with Members in this House, the committee and the Dáil. Thank you, Minister of State. Thank you, Senator.