Irish tour firms fail the American scooter test

MY American history taught me that during various Irish immigrations there were signs saying “no Irish need apply”. Over the years, of course, these prejudices changed. My archbishop, Timothy Dolan, has just left Milwaukee to be installed as New York’s newest archbishop. John F Kennedy, of course, was elected to the highest position in my country. The sky is the limit.

I am coming to Dublin for a medical conference in early May. I’ll be speaking to folks who have mobility challenges. I do too. Imagine my surprise when I contacted several Irish travel companies that offer escorted tours around your lovely country only to be told I “need not apply”.

There isn’t room for my portable scooter. I would hope the goodly people of Ireland will work diligently to make changes so that all of us physically challenged folk can access your country. It’s time.