John Dolan elected to Seanad Éireann - Statement from Disability Federation of Ireland, 28 April 2016

Press Release

John Dolan, CEO Disability Federation of Ireland, elected to Seanad Éireann

DFI welcomes the appointment of John Dolan to the Administrative Panel of Seanad Éireann.

DFI has long recognised the need for the Administrative Panel of Seanad Éireann to be used appropriately to provide representation of vocational and civil society including people with disabilities.

We are pleased that the voice of 600,000 people, who have a disability and their families, now have a direct presence in the Oireachtas. John Dolan will now be in a position to work through the Seanad with all the elected members on advocating for full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of Irish society.

DFI would like to thank the ten organisations who have nominating status and who supported John's decision to run for the Seanad - and also all of those around the country who volunteered to support his campaign. Without their work this positive outcome for all in the sector would not have been able to happen.

A special thanks to John's running mate Lorraine Dempsey who's transfers were important in keeping John in the race to take a seat.

Pat Clarke, Chairman of DFI said yesterday evening, "This is an historic day for the disability inclusion movement and it has been a long time coming. The people of Ireland include those amongst us with disabilities, who are just as much full citizens as the rest of the population. The UN CRPD must quickly be incorporated into Irish law and people must see practical improvements in their lives over the next few years"

John Dolan said "I am indebted to all those around the country who had faith in me and who want to see the voice of the 600,000 represented strongly. I trust that the new Dáil and Seanad, along with my support, will make ground-breaking developments in the inclusion of disabled people and their families. The support and work of disabled folk and their families around the country was critical and it often kept me going throughout the campaign. I will do everything possible to ensure that the voice of those with disabilities is heard in the corridors of power".

Ends

John Dolan 086 7957467
Pat Clarke 083 3914566
Allen Dunne 086 8502112