Irish top poll on EU disability awareness

Irish people have topped a new EU poll on Disability Awareness.

The independent survey shows the 73% of people in this country are aware that 2003 was the European Year of People with Disabilities, compared to just 21% in the UK.

While the European Year of People with Disabilities appears to have registered in the minds of most Irish people, it seems the message was not well received across the other member states.

Only 33% of EU citizens are aware of the significance last year represented, while a relatively small number feel the occasion led to an increase in the understanding of disability issues.

The Irish event centred on four themes, which promoted rights and responsibilities, attitudes to employment and examined the impact of disabilities on the lives of young people.

Over 37% million people in Europe suffer from some form of disability.