Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD has announced that, if elected, she will establish a major Presidential Initiative on Disabled Citizens and Care.
Catherine said:
“This is an all-island effort to ensure that disabled citizens and carers are recognised, heard and fully included in the life of the nation. The initiative will bring together people with lived experience, carers, advocates, community organisations and public bodies to promote equality, accessibility and recognition of care as a cornerstone of Irish life”.
Catherine said:
“For too long, disabled citizens and those who care for them have had to fight for what should never have been denied - equality, respect, and the right to live with dignity.
“As President, I will use the moral and convening power of the office to bring these voices to the centre of our national life - to ensure that Ireland finally becomes a country that values care and inclusion in everything it does.”
The initiative will have four key elements:
● The President’s Council on Disability and Care - a forum of people with lived experience to guide the initiative.
● The Care and Inclusion Dialogues - public conversations across Ireland bringing people together to discuss accessibility, rights, education, employment and independent living.
● The Annual Report - State of Care in Ireland - a yearly publication giving visibility to real experiences, good practice and evidence of progress.
● Presidential Awards for Care and Inclusion - recognising carers, disabled people and communities showing leadership and compassion.
All events will be fully accessible and inclusive, with materials provided in Irish, English and Irish Sign Language, along with easy-read formats.
“A Republic that does not care is not worthy of the name,” Catherine added. “This initiative will honour the dignity and strength of disabled citizens and those who provide care every day - and will help us build a truly caring republic.”
ENDS
Contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie