Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (debate)
Seán Kelly (PPE). – Mr President, I have listened to the debate very carefully and there are three points I just want to mention. Firstly, employment has been mentioned, and I think especially with flexibility in employment now, so much can be done over the internet, etc. and there are far more opportunities to employ people with a disability than ever before. Secondly, education has been mentioned and obviously the figures of those going on to the third level are very small – somebody mentioned 28%. We should aim to double that as one of our 2020-2030 targets. Thirdly, Mr Becker referred to sport and I agree completely with him: Paralympics, Special Olympics, do fantastic work for people with disabilities. I had the honour, when I was president of the GAA, of hosting the Special Olympics in Croke Park a few years ago and the result of that is that we have such wonderful movements as the Kerrys Stars. My own organization has introduced hurling for people in wheelchairs – wheelchair-hurling – and I think these are initiatives that can help people with disabilities to get independent living and enjoy life the same as the rest of us.