Joanne set to party in Dáil with Enda and Katie

Joanne O’Riordan, a teenager who has been fearless in speaking out on behalf of people with disabilities, is hitting the books to study for her Leaving Certificate.

The 16-year-old and fifth year student, who was named Young Person of the Year, has been widely credited with persuading the Government to perform a rapid U-turn on disability benefit cuts.

Joanne, who has no limbs as a result of a rare condition, total amelia syndrome, collected her award at the Rehab People of the Year Awards in Dublin on Saturday night. The event gave her another opportunity to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who was in attendance.