Students demand rights for people with disabilities

STUDENTS and disability groups in Galway presented a petition to Minister Éamon Ó Cuív last night demanding the Government introduce rights-based legislation for people with disabilities.

The students of National University of Ireland Galway and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology gathered signatures in support of the campaign in recent weeks. The petition was also signed by local politicians, artists, musicians and educationalists.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was due to be given the petition when he opened a 30 million learning resource centre at GMIT. However, Mr Ó Cuív had to deputise when poor weather conditions prevented the Taoiseach’s entourage from landing in Galway airport.

The students called on the Government to bring forward laws with enforceable rights as the only secure way to end the widespread discrimination experienced by people with disabilities.

The redrafted Disability Bill is expected to be published in the next month, but there are concerns among campaign groups the Government might not keep promises of guaranteed services as a right.

These fears were heightened after an Economic and Social Research Institute report published last week suggested alternative strategies.

The students were joined in their protest at GMIT by members of Galway Alliance of Parents and Carers (GAP). “We warmly welcome the students’ support because the Disability Bill is the most important event for people with disabilities since the foundation of the State,” said GAP spokesperson Frank Conaty.

“Getting it wrong is not an option and the Government must be held to their pre-election promises to introduce enforceable, rights-based legislation,” he said.

The protest was part of a national campaign supported by GAP and other organisations, including Amnesty International, the Forum for People with Disabilities, National Association of Intellectually Disabled Ireland, the Irish Autism Alliance, Down Syndrome Ireland and Centre for Independent Living.

At last night’s opening, Mr Ó Cuív said the new GMIT building, with library facilities, marks a new era in the college’s history and signals its commitment to constantly improving facilities.