Minister McGrath's speaking points for the launch of CRC Purple Ribbon

Speaking points for Minister McGrath for the launch of CRC Purple Ribbon to mark ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’, 3rd December 2019

Ladies and gentlemen I am absolutely delighted to join you here today on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and can I particularly thank Breda for the invite.

This day last year I was here to launch the CRC Burgundy Ribbon which I loved wearing, and I know this year the ribbon is purple to tie in with the international “Purple Light Up” campaign that marks the day, when we see so many famous buildings lit up purple to celebrate people with disabilities and the enormous contribution they make to our society.

Can I start by saying what a privilege it is to speak to so many people who want to promote the rights and interests of people with Disabilities. I am proud to join all of you in wearing this purple ribbon, knowing what it means, and knowing that together we can continue to work to improve the lives of people with Disabilities. I think we can all agree with the theme of this year’s event, “the future is accessible”, is not just a slogan but the only way to ensure that this society realizes its true potential and ensures equality for all its citizens.

When we say ‘The Future Is Accessible’ it has to mean something. It must mean that all of us look at what stops any of us from having equal access to opportunities, to quality of life to learn and grow and to tear down the barriers that stand in people’s way, so we can all live, work, and enjoy the same benefits in our society.

As a society, what we sometimes forget is that people with a disability have the same needs as the rest of society. A disability or health condition should not dictate the path a person is able to take in life. What should count are a person’s abilities, their talents, and their determination and aspiration to succeed.
As Minister for Disabilities, working towards this accessible future is a core part of my job, and as a government, we are taking a strategic approach to disability, through the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. This whole of government approach makes improving the lives of people with disabilities the responsibility of every government Minister, and the Strategy includes over a hundred actions that impact on areas as diverse as education, employment, health, the provision of public services, transport, personal safety and autonomy.

It is underpinned by a vision of an Irish society in which people with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities to participate in social and cultural life, can work if they want to do so, have choice and control over how they live their lives, and can reach their full potential.

We are closer now to realising this vision than at any time in Ireland’s past. We have embarked on an era of unprecedented change in the delivery of services to people with disabilities. A radical programme of reconfiguration of services is underway to support people with disabilities to make the type of choices available to other adults, in an environment that is as accessible to them as it is to everyone else in society, and to support them to live the lives they want to lead.

Throughout their lives, people with disabilities should be supported in maximising their potential, by removing barriers which impact on access to services, education, work or healthcare, and I think that is really what today is all about.

In conclusion, once again I say that it is a great privilege and honour to launch the CRC Ribbon, I’ll be wearing mine with pride, and I hope you really enjoy the rest of the day and the celebrations.