Disability Matters: Statements
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-22
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Sarah O'Reilly (AON), Agricultural Panel

I will try to be as quick as possible. One campaign that has really struck a chord with me is the Before We Die campaign and initiative. It highlights a quiet but urgent fear shared by many parents of children with disabilities. What happens to my child when I am no longer here? Where will they live? Who will look after them? It is a question that carries enormous emotional weight and worry for parents. We have examples of what can be done, particularly in Donegal. We have seen the development of assisted living facilities that provide not just accommodation but independence and community. Many people in my area of Cavan-Monaghan tell me about this and want it for themselves. I am sad that they can only dream about something similar in our counties. These models show that with the right investment and vision, we can create spaces where people with disabilities are supported to live full and meaningful lives. It is the Minister of State's job to look at that and to replicate it across the country. When she spoke earlier I heard a lot of words about frameworks, policies and legislation. I kept asking myself where the tangible benefit is for the people I represent. We seem to have been on a merry-go-round of all these things for years. It is tangible benefits on the ground that these people are living, waiting and hoping for.
Speech and language was mentioned by Senator Tully. In my area a group of parents took matters into their own hands and set up an organisation called Down’s Syndrome North East where they fundraised because they could not get services like therapy and physio for their children. Their children with Down’s syndrome are looked after by their own charity and they are put to the pin of their collars fundraising daily and thinking of new fundraisers. To me that is the sign of poor government, where parents have to rely on charity and raising money themselves to get speech and language therapy. We all know early intervention is important.
I have cut the rest of this off, but I would like to mention a nicer story. I am also a firm believer in the inclusion of people with disabilities beyond housing and healthcare. It needs to be embedded in cultural life as well. I was delighted today to welcome Run of the Mill into the audiovisual room for the premiere of their new film, "Mary Is Missing". I thank Melissa Byrne and Brian Crehan for facilitating this. The film was brilliant, and I recommend all Members watch it. It is a fantastic piece of cinema and has been longlisted for the 2027 Oscars. Run of the Mill was founded by Aisling Byrne because she recognised the importance of artistic expression and representation. Every person deserves to see themselves in the media, which is not usual for people with Down's syndrome or learning difficulties. They do not see themselves represented in media and programmes. I commend the team and the actors on their commitment to this. They applied for Arts Council funding but they really need multi-annual support. Is the Minister of State aware of any funding in her Department that could help them to ensure this continues? They are funded through the Arts Council. It gives them a great outlook and supports them well in their dreams. Is there any provision for funding in the Department for disability?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:50+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-22