Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

International Day for Persons with Disabilities

Published: 4 December, 2008

Sinn Féin Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Colman Burns speaking on International Day of Person with Disabilities (3rd Dec) has called for greater emphasis to be placed upon the provision of rights and entitlements of people with disabilities. Cllr. Burns said:

"More focus needs to be given to disability issues. For too long the mentality of government departments towards people with disabilities has been one of providing lip service or small token actions.

"Whether it be in the field of employment, housing, leisure provision or any other field that affects our daily lives, people with disabilities will undoubtedly have some barriers to accessing their full entitlements. This cannot be allowed to be the case in the 21st century.

"There is an onus on the Assembly and the Executive to explore what steps should be taken in order to ensure that the rights and entitlements of disabled people are guaranteed and respected at every levels of society." ENDS