People with Disabilities in Ireland
4th Floor Jervis House
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 21 74 4
Fax: 01 87 21 77 1
Email: info@pwdi.ie
The Chief Executive of PwDI, Michael Ringrose, outlined the many of the successes and ongoing activities undertaken at National Level to the AGM. The following is a summary of his remarks:
"As I stated in our most recent Newsletter, much has been accomplished but there is still much to do. I want first to give you an indication of what degree of progress was made in relation to the Motions which were put forward for action last year."
A consultation process took place during the year with the Networks and the final document was approved and passed by the Board. The document is in the process of being published.
The implementation of the Strategy for Equality is the subject of almost all discussions at the political and departmental levels. It is central to the discussions at the Disability Legislation Consultation Group, at the National Standards Advisory Group, at the Director of Equality Investigations Users' Group, at the Barcelona Steering Group and all consultative and advisory forums at which PwDI is represented.
PwDI now produces this newsletter, Cumhacht
on a quarterly basis. Circulation includes all Government Departments, Ministers, TD's, Senators, other disability related organisations, the media and, of course, all our membership. The contributions from the Networks and all disability related organisations are critical to its success and we are most appreciative of the support and co-operation of the Networks and members who contribute to its production.
The necessity to build membership is a priority and we had some considerable success in some areas. There are currently 500 applications in hand, mostly arising from the participation at the recent youth seminars. The credibility of Network Committees and the organisation, as a whole, depends on the extent to which PwDI represents all people with disabilities in each county area and throughout the country.
The position regarding the medical card is, like many other issues, the subject of constant lobbying at official and unofficial levels and will continue to receive attention.
In my role as Chief Executive Officer, I have comprehensively addressed the question of establishing "best practice"
in relation to the financial affairs of the Company, in consultation with the Institute of Public Administration. The report was presented to the Board at its meeting in October and approved. Adherence to best practice in this area and the application of openness, transparency and accountability in all financial transactions is a standard that we must all accept and promote.
I have also been actively engaged in endeavoring to secure additional funding from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and other relevant sources. We have submitted funding applications to Comhairle, the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs and to EU Funding Programmes in specific project areas.
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