Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West and chair of the Disability Matters Committee, Michael Moynihan, has welcomed news that Fianna Fáil's Disability Network has been shortlisted in the National Diversity & Inclusion Awards for advancing disability equality.
The National Diversity Inclusion Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and champion individuals and organisations that go above and beyond in their commitment to providing excellence in all key areas of diversity and inclusion.
Deputy Moynihan who is the Parliamentary Party liaison for the Network said, "The Fianna Fáil Disability Network campaigns for equal rights for disabled people. It is made up of like-minded members with the aim of bridging the gap between disability policies, resources, and facilities across multiple areas in society – transport, social protection, education, employment, housing, and health – that are not currently in place for persons with disabilities.
“To ensure independent living and inclusion in communities, I firmly believe that we must meaningfully consult with people with disabilities and their representative organisations, regarding decisions that affect their lives. This is crucial in the design of policies, programmes and in the planning process.
"There is a need for a parallel cultural shift in services as well as society so that people with disabilities can be viewed as being able to live independently and contribute to society.
"I am proud to say that Fianna Fáil was the first party to prioritise disability policies and legislation to promote the rights of disabled people in our society which aligns with our democratic republican values of fostering equality and inclusion in everyday life.
"I am thrilled that the Fianna Fáil Disability Network has been shortlisted for this award. The Network is pivotal in the development of policy surrounding the party's disability portfolio and gives people within the party the opportunity to come together to express their views, collaborate and share ideas and develop their own support networks at party level to maintain engagement.''