Enough is enough: We want equality say Irish disability campaigners
Disability campaigners could soon win their fight to see the UN convention on disability rights ratified, after a protest last week provoked a Government announcement on legislation.
Disability campaigners from across Ireland, joined Trinity College, UCD and NUI Galway students, to demand the rights of disabled people be introduced into Irish law.
And the Government confirmed after the protest, legislation will be before the Dail in February on this issue.
Ireland signed the UN convention in March 2007, yet almost a decade later, disability rights have not been introduced.
Disability rights activists demand a UN convention be ratified in a protest outside the Dáil today #Q102News pic.twitter.com/TZKb590Id7
— Dublin's Q102 (@Q102MoreMusic) January 19, 2017
Kieran McNulty, president of TCD Student Union, handed a letter into the Dail for Minister for disabilities, Finian McGrath – who has ensured the situation will be clarified by February 8.
Disability campaigner, Sean O’Kelly, from Blackrock, Co Dublin, said: “We have heard of disabled people who are living in nursing homes today. How is this right? What is wrong with this country to say that is okay.”
Sean, who runs the A Day In My Wheels campaign, added: “We cannot sit here as we always do as Irish people and say, ah, it’s grand.
“Disabled people don’t have the same rights as able-bodied people. We’re discriminated against on public transport, in employment.
“If our rights aren’t ratified soon, we will be back on the streets ‘til they are.”
One campaigner travelled from Achil in Co Mayo with her autistic son, to protest.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, also attended the event, along with campaigners from Disability Rights Now and the Equal Rights for Equal people movement.
Mr Boyd Barrett posted on Facebook: “Good turn-out from disability activists and student unions and it had an impact. Shortly afterwards, government confirmed the legislation will come to the Dail in February. Many years too late but finally all the campaigning has forced some progress.”