Saturday last Ógra activists took to the streets of Dublin collecting signatures for the campaign for disability rights in the EU. The Ógra activists set up a stall outside the GPO on O’Connell street asking members of the public to sign the petition calling on the EU to enact comprehensive non-discrimination legislation to protect people with disabilities.
The objective of the campaign, begun in January by the European Disability Forum, is to collect 1 million signatures in order to put pressure on the European Commission and individual states to deliver disability rights in all aspects of life. Ógra Shinn Féin played its own small part in this endeavour on Saturday afternoon, collecting in excess of 300 signatures from shoppers and passers-by.
Speaking at the stall Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald said, “Beginning in Dublin today Sinn Féin members in every county in Ireland will be asking people to sign the petition. We are hoping that Ireland can far exceed its quota and help reach the 1 million signatures needed.”
“This campaign is very important for Ireland . Since the introduction of the Disability Act 2005 discrimination against people with disabilities in terms of access to services has actually increased by 16%.”
Ógra Átha Cliath organiser Oisín Ó Dubhláin said afterwards that he was delighted with the reception the activists received in the city.
“The willingness of so many people here today to support this campaign is very encouraging. Ógra are very happy to be to the forefront of this campaign in the coming weeks Ógra cumainn the length and breadth of Ireland will be taking to the streets, petitioning people for their support on this worthwhile and extremely important campaign.”
“We are calling on people in communities across the country if they see Ógra or Sinn Féin activists collecting signatures to take a moment and sign the petition. Alternatively they can log on to http://www.1million4disability.eu and sign for disability rights.”
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