Local Down syndrome advocates meet with Taoiseach

Two South Dublin advocates were among a group of adults with Down syndrome who met Taoiseach Micheál Martin last week to make sure the voices of people with Down syndrome are heard at the highest level of Government.

Una Coates from Clondalkin and Eric Nolan from Walkinstown are members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council, a panel of adults with Down syndrome who help shape the organisation’s advocacy work and policy priorities.

Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the council met the Taoiseach to discuss the issues that affect their daily lives and to present the core pillars of Down Syndrome Ireland’s upcoming national strategy.

For the group, the meeting was about more than simply marking an important date on the calendar. It was an opportunity to speak directly to Government about the practical challenges facing people with Down syndrome across the country.

Eric Nolan said the meeting was about making sure people with Down syndrome have a say in the decisions that affect them.

“It’s about advocacy, we have our own voices,” he said.

“It’s very important to me that the Taoiseach listens to us and hears about the work we’re doing, and understands our point of view.

“World Down Syndrome Day is important for everyone.

“Not just people with Down syndrome.”

At the meeting, council members outlined the barriers people with Down syndrome still face in Ireland, including inconsistent access to therapies, difficulties with public transport, and the challenges many encounter when transitioning from school into adult life.

Members also raised issues around employment opportunities, independent living and the need for clearer planning supports as young people with Down syndrome move into adulthood.

Also present at the meeting were NAC chairperson Fintan Bray, Yann O’Carroll, Conor O’Donnell and Regional Advisory Council member Eileen Dunne.

The council used the opportunity to present the Taoiseach with the key pillars of Down Syndrome Ireland’s forthcoming national strategy, which will be officially launched on March 21.

The strategy aims to improve early intervention supports, strengthen pathways into employment and address gaps in transport and adult services.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was pleased to meet the group and hear directly from people with lived experience.

“It was an honour to meet with members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council this week, ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21,” he said.

“These members are doing incredible work for people across the country with Down syndrome, and should be commended and celebrated, not just on March 21, but every day.”

Aidan Stacey, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “When national leaders sit down directly with adults who are navigating these systems every day, the conversation changes,” he said.

“Our National Advisory Council ensures those realities are heard clearly and consistently at the highest level.”

NAC chairperson Fintan Bray said: “The NAC have a voice that represents everyone with Down syndrome across Ireland, so it’s important that we have these conversations.

“There was a lot to discuss with the Taoiseach, rural transport, education, employment and more.”