I will explain when I address sections 2 and 3.

I will also speak to section 3. I will have no more to say; I want to be brief. Section 2(1) to 2(6), inclusive, place disability rights on a legislative basis, therefore, making them fundamental human rights. That is consistent with the Government's campaign from last autumn and into the winter. Disability rights are human rights. I am mandated, under the UNCRPD, as a parent and carer, to speak to the rights and lived experience of disabled citizens. I am not just permitted to do this; I am actually mandated to do…

I think this goes back to a childhood fear I may have had.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his flexibility in allowing me to speak again. I think this is a great moment. It brings us into line with the rest of the European Union and other states. We spend so much of our lives fighting. Apart from the fear, trauma and upset, so much time is spent fighting. In my case, I am dealing with my child's disease. In other people's cases, there is a huge spectrum of challenges. On top of that we have to fight the system, the Department of Social Protection, the Revenue Commissioners, …

The Minister of State mentioned the cultural change that is required. We are at a moment of cultural change. The narrative and our public discourse around disability is changing. Irish people now see it as a fundamental human rights issue. Everybody here in this Chamber - our guests, the Minister of State and her officials - has played a role in facilitating and accelerating the change. I really believe that. When I first started lobbying back in 2011 at the start of the crash, I am sorry to say it, but I would cha…

Next Tuesday.

I move amendment No. 77: In page 30, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “(2) Research and Innovation Ireland, shall, in so far as it is consistent with the proper performance of its functions under Head 9, and only to extent that these collaborations further support and fund competitive research and innovation, endeavour to secure administrative co-operation.”. I withdraw my amendment and reserve the right to speak to it on Report Stage.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I wish to raise the issue of UN General Assembly Resolution 52/177 - death and disability benefits, and UN General Assembly Resolution 76/275 - post-traumatic stress disorder framework. These two schemes already exist. According to our information, Irish families and veterans are unable to access or have not been assisted in accessing these two pre-existing funds. When it comes to death and injury, just short of 100 Irish troops have died on overseas service or…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Our concern is that there does not appear to be any record of Ireland availing of either of these funds. I accept that many cases are litigated here, but that places of veterans under a very stressful situation where they have to go into an adversarial process. In addition, the State has very deep pockets to fight people who have PTSD or who have lost function in other ways as a result of accidents. This is an opportunity for us to recognise fully the prevalence of combat stress…

I wish to raise the issue of a section 140 motion that was tabled at Dublin City Council yesterday evening. The motion, which sought to challenge the draft Dublin city transport plan, was brought by an Independent councillor, Damian O'Farrell. It is very commendable in that he pointed out that disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, had not been consulted regarding the Dublin transport plan. This plan will have major implications for more than 1 million citizens and Dublin people. It shows how the council has disreg…

I move amendment No. 25: In page 11, to delete lines 16 and 17 and substitute the following: "(e) to promote parity of esteem and to advance equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in research and innovation;".

I move amendment No. 28: In page 11, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following: "(f) to promote, develop and assist the carrying out of basic research in a range of areas, including strategic areas of endeavour that concerns the future societal development and competitiveness of the State;”.

I move amendment No. 32: In page 11, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following: "(g) to preserve and promote the principles of academic freedom.". I spoke on this on Second Stage. The principle of academic freedom is very important. In the environment we are in, with a culture of cancellation, contested knowledge, disinformation and misinformation, it is very important we have an explicit statement of academic freedom. I alluded to it last week. Some areas of research will be provocative and unpopular and ma…

If organisations do not get funding, the research does not happen. We have expressed concerns about this, where there are clear, explicit commitments to hierarchies of status within knowledge and so on. I believe the agency will effectively act as a gatekeeper in terms of what we investigate and do not investigate, by virtue of it awarding 75% of the research funding within the State. The amendment is a one-liner to preserve and promote the principle of academic freedom. I do not want to beat the point to death, bu…

I move amendment No. 43: In page 12, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(k) to promote party of esteem and support equality, diversity and inclusion in research and innovation,”.

It is with a heavy heart and some distress that I raise the issue of a very talented young student with disabilities who applied through the CAO in good faith for a place in the National College of Art and Design, an institution that is supposed to represent truth and beauty and the highest ethical standards. Unfortunately, despite this student having an amazing portfolio and having exhibited and sold paintings successfully in galleries, despite those qualifications, the supports she would have expected in one of o…

Grand. I ask you to give me a few extra seconds at the end.

The family, when they became aware of this, brought it to the attention of the board and the senior leadership team of the NCAD. The Minister, the board and the senior leadership team have known for six months about this discriminatory treatment but they have not acted. Their only response was two weeks ago, when Emma O'Kelly, for RTÉ, did a story that covered it. Then they issued a bland statement that they would engage in some sort of protocol assessment. Even though third level institutions are not de facto in l…

I move amendment No. 11: In page 9, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following:“(4)In this Act, nothing should violate and instead seek to uphold the principles of parity of esteem (between disciples) and of academic freedom cited in Impact 2030,Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy and European standards of good practice.”. I want to explain a little about the reason for proposing these amendments. I am speaking to these amendments as an academic of 22 years' experience in DIT, now the Technological Uni…

Okay. The amendment states: "In this Act, nothing should violate and instead seek to uphold the principles of parity of esteem (between disciples) and of academic freedom cited in Impact 2030, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy and European standards of good practice.” I wish to reiterate those concerns and have that statement inserted explicitly into the Act. Will I move to amendment number 13?