Greystones Local election candidates & Disabled, ill and elderly people

DAG:T asked election candidates what they will strive to achieve for disabled people, elderly people and older people in Greystones Co Wicklow Ireland.  Here are responses from those who answered our questionnaire.  Thank you for being interested and responding.

‘Disability Action Greystones: Together’

‘Building an inclusive community’

DAG:T is a local group in Greystones working towards

               Building  an Inclusive Community by increasing

                         Accessibility to all that Greystones has to offer

 

DAG:T  asked all candidates who are seeking election in the forthcoming County Council election to advise us on how their party, or they, if ‘Independents’ are going to work towards improving the lives of sick, disabled and elderly people living in Greystones. This includes those living in residential care as well as those living independently in their own homes in the community.

A questionnaire was sent to all candidates.  The following responses have been received: (placed in alphabetical order)  

 

Niall Byrne (Green Party)

I have consulted my colleagues regarding your Queries. I have attached our Manifesto regarding The elderly and people with a disability. My apologies if the scan did not work very well. You may adapt it accordingly for your members. I will send a hard copy if requested to your address.

In no particular order, here is my personal response.

·        I can if elected work with the Area Engineer to ensure future works include plans for those with mobility issues. You would have to provide for me details of problem areas that already exist like the Garda station.

·         Household, Water charges and cutbacks to medical services have been introduced by this FG/LAB government since 2011. Whilst recognising the need for tax in order to pay for services, the Greens believe water charges should only be imposed after a free allocation has been granted. We also question why a new utility company which has already spent 86 million euro on consultants had to be the provider without any proper consultation.

·        I believe the Local Property Tax should be spent locally to deliver services for Wicklow. It has been muted by government that 80% will be used for Local areas in future but the Minister has already diverted one full year of funding to the establishment of Irish Water. Will they keep their promises?

·         I do not agree with cutbacks to medical services for our most vulnerable citizens. I sent you my press release already.

·        I agree with empowering those with disabilities to determine how funding to them should be used.

·        I have no easy solution to the issue of transporting sick and disabled people that may save them or the state money. I am open to your groups suggestions.

·         I would certainly raise the issue of complaints being ignored by WCC if elected.

Green Party National manifesto on elderly and disabled people.

 

James Doyle (FF)

The following are my intentions in regard to working for greater inclusion of those of us with disabilities, suffering illness and of elderly age in our community.

 

1) Services and Resources. Road and path conditions are worst in the very areas where density of older residents is highest. I have raised this issue in the local press (Wicklow Times) and will continue to make the point, if elected, that I will not be dismissed by the argument that no funding exists. If local authorities blame funding I will continue to press for a solution. My point that the cost of fixing a footpath now is less than paying out for a 'trip and fall' claim in the courts later on stands as proof that I will do all I can to ensure that sustainable investment in footpaths and roads becomes a priority for the council for the benefit of disabled and elderly members of our community.

 

2) Mobility, infrastructure and housing. Mobility within the home and outside on buses and premises is something I feel strongly about. 

 

A) On housing for the elderly and incapacitated I have already made representations to the Council, HSE and (via Fianna Fail Senator) Government on two specific cases. One an application for modification of home for wheelchair accessibility and Two the provision of home help and alternative 'house-swap' arrangements for an elderly couple experiencing severe difficulties in caring for each other, day-in- day-out, with the ever present risk of a fall when descending their staircase. I will continue to press for suitable housing / interior modifications for people living in these unsatisfactory situations and will support and encourage the work of community groups such as your own to enhance their living conditions. 

 

B) Buses: For elderly and disabled people in Greystones, Kilcoole and Newcastle public bus services are crucial. Later this year the 184 will be one of the first services to be put out to private tender. It is critical that wheelchair accessibility ramps, fare concessions and frequency levels are upheld and the standard monitored. I have written to the National Transport Authority on the matter and have articulated my concerns on East Coast FM debate with Declan Meehan, the Wicklow Times and The Wicklow People. As someone with an elderly grandmother and close family member with disabilities I will be using every ounce of my experience as a solicitor and former student representative to ensure these basic dignity requirements are maintained if not improved upon.

 

3) Cost of living. I will "challenge" and address the lack of consideration by Government of people's inability to pay. I have already made respresentations regarding the inclusion status of certain asthmatic products on the National Drug Payment Scheme for certain members of our community. I will continue this and other cost-of-living campaigns with a new vigour and mandate if elected in May 2014. I want to be honest with people regarding what I actualy CAN DO as a councillor under our exiting local Government structure. I will pursue whatever avenues I can legitimately and legally avail of as a public representative; I will not make promises that I know, at time of making, I will not be able to keep. Finally to the extent that a councillor's powers are limited in for example securing national resources for disability modification grants I will advocate for reform to cure the systematic weakness and simultaneously use what powers I DO HAVE to elevate local community groups in making their case before Government departments or other state funding bodies. 

 

4) Use of funds in mobility aid grants. On all service supply issues in Irish Life I believe passionately that 1) political imperatives should not displace need and 2) experts and interested parties should (in so far as is practicable) have input, not solely output, in the making of service roll out decisions. I have already demonstrated this in my dealings with the NTA and Dublin Bus on bus privatsiation. I will act in a similar way with disability mobility adaption grants. 

 

5) Independent Living. I have already acted in one case where the residents' shared desire to continue living in their home was, and is, their (and my) fundamental concern. All relevant authorities have dealt professionally with me on this case. However more needs to be done. Funding is an issue and as a realist I appreciate this. A new home project purpose built for elederly people will encounter several hurdles. Funding is one; foresight is another. We need real action in this area. I sense that if elected I will be better mandated (than I currently am) to seek more concrete and long term solutions to this question of basic human dignity for those in our community who have played their part and now wish to live with autonomy (to the extent feasible) and self respect.

 

6) Local Access Transport Links. As mentioned above I believe in engaging with all interested parties. Great work is done by sitting councillors to maximise the synergies in our community. More needs to be done. In the same way as local bus services will be invited to tender for local bus routes I believe that we need to look at ways of co-operating with service providers to ensure that the young (school children), the elderly and disabled are given sufficiently catered for in a way that would not happen if pure market forces were to play out without care and customisation. That's what I sense so far in my campaign - there are many more great ideas out there I look forward to listening to over the coming weeks. If elected I will do what I did as a student representative - I will work with all state authorities (Dept of Education and NUI, UCD), commercial stakeholders (private coach companies and event organisers) with and for the benefit of those I represent (students with dyslexia and learning difficulties). I look forward to the challenge and will work hard to deliver for those who most desperately need to be heard.

 

7) Manifesto. This article reflects the core of my social manifesto. Albeit without mention here of other pressing concerns in our community such as special needs assessment for our children. Please consult my website for further details and feel free to message/comment or email me - www.jamesdoyle.ie

 

8) Social and recreational access - I am a strong believer in 'thinking before we act' and 'getting things right the first time'. When speaking at last week's Business StrategyFor Greystones meeting at Charlesland Gold Club I vocalised this core belief. Our community is a vibrant one - not because of external investment alone, but because of the participation of all residents and community groups every step along the way. Business needs the community; the community needs local business. Things fall apart when we forget this balance or take it for granted. I want to WORK WITH local authorities, planning authorities, business people, sports clubs and community groups so that where renewal or repair of existing building and amenities is undertaken the interests of the disabled, elderly and young are provided for and their contributions realised. The same logic applies when a new development is considered such as that envisaged for the IDA lands on Mill Road. I believe I have the energy, experience and skills to ensure that a balance is struck between the economic, the social and the civic dimensions.

 

As I am personally aware disability effects many in our community. However not all those who strive through their daily tasks and activities are adequately supported. Community groups, volunteers and charities play a big part in rebalancing the social equation. My own experience of the selfless part played by those who help out with RESPECT and the Daughters Of Charity assures me of this point. 

 

Local and national government should also play its part. 

 

If elected as your local representative I will do all I can to make sure that happens.

 

 

Taragh Hanley (FF)

 

·        How will you improve roads and footpaths to enable people with limited mobility and/or using mobility equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking sticks to use the environment safely?

Ensuring that all existing buildings including access and new developments adhere to building regulations with specific needs met for people with disabilities. To include specific needs for all new footpaths and areas that are being up dated for the new cycle zone in the area. That any monies that become available for footpaths in the future take all needs into account when improvements and maintenance is being undertaken.

 

·        How will you challenge or ameliorate the additional costs the present government has imposed on DAG:T constituents which they can barely manage e.g.

o   Water charges

o   Household taxes

o   Prescription charges

o   Withdrawal of medical cards

o   Poor HSE services in Co Wicklow which impact on ‘living well and coping’ in Greystones.

I feel that this is not specific to people with disabilities alone. I feel strongly that all residents within the area that are struggling to pay any new tax should be given the opportunity to state their case individually. I think that there are many people that cannot cope with the added stress and need help to pay towards these cuts/taxes and that some based on income should be exempt, or on a scale system based on ability to pay.

 

·        How will you improve the household disability adaptation grants to enable Greystones population of elderly, sick and disabled people a) receive sufficient funding for adaptations, b)receive independent, skilled support for applicants in applying for and using the monies in ways they deem suitable for their needs .  (To date WCC are demanding applicants use the monies as the occupational therapists see fit, rather than what the person themselves really want. There is evidence of ‘bullying’ in this regard.)

A)Wicklow residents are indeed receiving less than in some areas of the country towards house adaptations. This should be addressed in Wicklow County Council and the process needs to be looked at in detail so that it is clear to all how it operates, more transparency is needed here for definite. A clear appeals process needs to be adhered to also.

B) When an application is made for monies an application form should be filled in by the occupational therapist and the applicant so that both sides can see clearly what is being asked for, why it is needed and if a conflict in needs arises that it is addressed by an independent person in WCC and a clear decision is given with a full explanation as to how the decision was made. Answerability needs to be added to the system so that it is clear and transparent to all parties involved this will protect the applicant and OT alike.

 

·        How will you help and facilitate independent living for any older, sick, or disabled person who wishes to remain in the community in their own homes?

This is a basic right or at least should be of any person! I find this incredibly annoying that a person is dictated to as to what is perceived to be best for them. The cost of someone living in their own home with help generally is less than having them in a home or specific care centre, not always the case but in general, of course this would need to assessed case by case.

I will push for changes to the existing system and see that this is addressed in the area and indeed at a higher level. Re-evaluating the cuts to carers hours needs to be addressed immediately, an absolute disgrace how people are being treated the sick and the venerable in our community. I will work towards this being reversed. A better community care system needs to be introduced to encourage and enable people in the community to remain in their community.

 

·        Since the government has ceased the mobility allowance/motorised transport grant sick and disabled people have no additional funds for transport needs. We live in a rural area with poor transport despite the DART.   Many sick and disabled people already on low disability/sickness benefits have had to spend more of it on raised medical costs. Now they have to pay for taxi’s to take them to hospital appointment (since they cannot use public transport).  From Greystones to St Vincent’s it costs 50euro (100e round trip) this is impossible for most.  How will you service disabled people’s transport needs for access to hospitals, GP’s, Physiotherapists and so on. A new scheme for local disability transport is urgently needed. (Easi-cabs though cheaper is STILL beyond many disabled people’s budget).

A community based transport system throughout Wicklow could really help here it could be run on a daily bases with people from certain areas receiving appointments on certain days so that they can attend appointments in hospitals on set days and request those days when making appointments. They could then share lifts with others from the community based service which will help to cut costs involved. Some joined up thinking on the patients, hospitals and transport system would be needed but if run correctly this could be a fantastic resource for all involved. A big undertaking but I feel it would benefit people in the area hugely. Maybe a donation could be given by the attendee. It could start small and then see how it works for all involved, it would be a wonderful trial to try in Wicklow and then roll out throughout Ireland in the future. A small system like this is in operation in some places but I feel that

Re-evaluating and strengthening this system is the way to go.

 

·        How will you oversee complaints made to the HSE by Greystones residents who are in receipt of care services? There is evidence that WCC are not adhering to ‘Your Say , Your Service’ complaints procedures.

An in depth look into the existing system will be needed, a review undertaken and then when discrepancies are highlighted they can be addressed with input from people in the community and OT etc involved. This will lead to a more joined up system and will help for the process to be more transparent.

 

·        How will you improve public amenities so that they are all disabled accessible? (The police station is STILL inaccessible to wheelchair users despite years of representation to move the location of the station for access purposes).

While it would be ideal and it is necessary to have all buildings accessible it must also be understood that money is tight and that we need to be realistic as to what funds are available. As any new building or any improvement works are carried out accessibility issues should be addressed and be part of the plan I will be insistent on this. The Garda station has slipped through the net in the area and this is unfortunate hopefully with the planning application for the proposed development in Charlesland to extend the planning period this may be built in the near future and the accessibility improved. I feel that works were not carried out as they thought that a new building would be provided.

 

·         Do you have a manifesto section for DAG:T constituents. i.e. have you drawn up a plan for action for sick, disabled or older people living in Greystones? (if so may we have a copy?)

 I have contributed to raising awareness of issues for disabled people and will continue to help with all issues that arise, to set our goals both near and far and to help in any way that I can. When elected in May I will continue to move these issues forward.

I also believe that through awareness and education in schools to children now that this will help to make people in the area more aware of the difficulties that many disabled people face every day, this will have a knock on effect in the future and sometimes people just don’t realise the impact that certain things like signage in the middle of the path have on others.

 

·        How will you improve social and recreational facilities to ensure DAG:T constituents are able to enjoy ‘everything Greystones has to offer’?

When specific needs for a specific sport or facility are identified and that the uptake by people is clear then of course everything should be done to facilitate this, to encourage and enable more people to use the wonderful facilities that our community has to offer. I think that if a group show the need then this should be addressed. It is like anything in the town and many of the sporting groups already in existence, a need was seen, a group came together and formed that club and met that need. There is no point in creating anything unless the need is real and the people are there to partake. In GRFC for instance we were asked by some parents to add a training session for young people with disabilities, we have accomplished this and now our “Seagulls” team train every week, partake in matches and have played in the Aviva. Things can be achieved by people, but you need the people to achieve them!

 

We thank you for answering these questions as they will inform DAG:T constituents in how they will vote.

If you have a manifesto will you be producing accessible copies in:

·        Braille/large print

·        Irish Sign language (DVD)

·        Simple language for intellectually impaired people

If so please provide DAG:T with copies.  Many thanks

I will have a You Tube video link on my website which will have an introduction to me, my policies, ideas and visions. This should be helpful to the blind, people with intellectual disabilities and it will have wording for the hard of hearing.

 

Jacqui Johnson  (People Before Prophet)

Thank you for taking the time to draw up a list of questions for local election candidates, and I am eager and committed to answering them as fully and honestly as I can. I will answer them in the order they appear on the document and please feel free to ask if there is anything that you think needs further explanation or clarification.

As a voluntary PRO with the Wicklow network of People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI) for a number of years, I have been a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to full participation in all areas of society. Access to that participation is not only often difficult from a physical perspective but attitudes, prejudice and discrimination can play significant roles in making the path towards equal participation much more challenging. As a county councillor - who is a representative of their local community - policies, budgets and decision-making generally should be disability-proofed as much as is practicable to ensure the fullest and equal participation for all.

·        While I acknowledge that local authority budgets have been savagely reduced over the past six years of austerity, there is no reason why decisions in relation to roads/paths should not be mindful of the needs of those who find using them the most difficult. Wicklow County Council adopted the Barcelona Declaration (facilitating local authorities in creating a more inclusive society – it made its first appearance at the 1995 Barcelona conference ‘The City and the Disabled’) some years ago.

 

Next year will mark the 20 year anniversary of the launch of the Barcelona Declaration and if elected, I would commit to drawing up a report to see how WCC has performed in its commitment to improving access for people with disabilities and identifying the areas which need most attention. This work would be done in consultation with disability groups and individuals in the Greystones municipal area and I hope it would be adopted and extended throughout the entire county of Wicklow. I am certain that roads and paths would feature strongly in those discussions and while I understand budget limitations, I would argue strenuously for disability-proofing of all decisions in this area. In the past, I have researched the physical barriers to moving around freely for those with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and I will be eager to bring that experience to my role.

 

·        I agree that the additional financial burdens placed on Irish citizens over the past six years have had a proportionately greater impact on certain groups. People with disabilities are one of the groups that have been most cruelly targeted by the FG/Labour government in its determination to impose relentless austerity policies.

 

When the proposal to introduce the property charge was initially revealed, I helped build the Campaign against Home and Water Taxes (CAHWT) nationally and locally, and contributed to harnessing the resistance to this regressive charge – and the subsequent property and water taxes. With well over half a million people refusing to pay the charge, the Government introduced draconian legislation which meant that Revenue could take money directly from people’s salaries/social welfare payments. This unprecedented development was brought in to thwart resistance to these regressive taxes. Before coming to power, Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore both expressed revulsion at the introduction of taxes on people’s homes but yet embraced them once installed in government. I will continue to protest against unjust, regressive taxes on behalf of people with disabilities and all people who cannot afford to pay them. I am the only candidate who has organised a public meeting about the impending water taxes and I am committed to supporting those who are struggling to cope and highlighting the injustice on their behalf.

 

With regard to prescription charges and withdrawal of medical cards, again we in People Before Profit have campaigned and protested strongly about inflicting these kinds of cuts and charges on those least able to afford them. I was privileged to stand with 15,000 pensioners who came to protest outside the Dáil at the proposed withdrawal of their medical cards sixteen months ago. The government were quick to do an about-turn when faced with that kind of opposition. That is the kind of impact sizeable numbers of people coming together to voice their protest can have and I will remain committed to building the confidence in people with disabilities and others to stand together to fight for their right to live with the dignity and respect they are entitled to.

 

Likewise, as a public representative, I would see liaising with other agencies and government departments as a necessary function to carry out on behalf of constituents and in this particular case, to investigate and lobby for change for people with disabilities. In the past, when carrying out research in the area of disability, I have had to deal with various agencies, including the HSE. I understand the difficulty in identifying key personnel and getting clear answers to questions. I am determined and relentless in that regard and will do everything in my power to provide answers, transparency and clarity for those who need it.

 

·        In January this year, cuts of more than 40% to certain grants for people with disabilities and changes in eligibility rules meaning that some will lose grants entirely, have had the most horrendous impact on disabled people. As a councillor, I would be limited in the power I would have to directly reverse these decisions. But what I could do is lobby hard on behalf of disabled constituents through my own contacts in national government. I could also help build a campaign locally and hope to link up with other similar campaigns throughout the country in an effort to bring about the changes/reversals the pensioners succeeded in achieving. People Before Profit is about building a people’s movement for change. The power must ultimately lie with the people and I would see my role as planting, reinforcing and building that idea in tandem with all who want to contribute to a fairer, more just society.

To ensure that people with disabilities have choices and control over the way in which they choose to live their lives, person-centred/individualised funding makes sense. In almost every case, a disabled person and his/her family know what their needs are and how best to meet them and therefore should have control over how allotted budgets are spent rather than service delivery providers making those decisions for them. At every stage of disability budgetary decisions, people with disabilities must be central to and included in the process. I would seek to establish a disability sub-group with local people with disabilities invited to participate in all local decision-making in relation to disability issues.

 

·        While doing some research a few years ago, I met with representatives from the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living and their motto has always stayed with me: ‘Nothing about us, without us’. I’ve used that motto at every opportunity when working with any minority or marginalised group to ensure that I’m always mindful of the power balance and sense of control and value people are entitled to have in all matters relating to their own experience. If we are to truly have the kind of society where all people are treated equally and fairly, then we must provide all the support needed to encourage and accommodate the participation of everyone in that society. Thankfully, the tendency to put disabled people into institutions, away from their families and local communities is for the most part a thing of the past. In moving away from the medical model of disability to the social model, providing the supports needed to allow people with disabilities to live their lives as independently as possible is completely just from a human rights perspective. I am fully committed to assisting people with disabilities achieve this.

 

·        Transport is one of the key issues for the disabled community. If we are striving to achieve full participation in society for people with disabilities, we should be looking to improve the infrastructure that facilitates it. While Dublin Bus has made huge inroads in terms of accessibility for wheelchair users and people with sensory disabilities, unfortunately, the reduction in bus services to the Greystones area has had huge negative implications for the entire population, not least the disabled community.

 

I have been made aware of the difficulty for disabled and elderly people in getting to hospital appointments at Loughlinstown and St Vincent’s. There are issues for disabled people in trying to get to work, often contributing to much higher transport costs ultimately. I was part of the campaign group to try to retain the 84 bus route and protested with over one hundred concerned residents and students outside Greystones Town Council when Dublin Bus came to a meeting to outline their proposals. Unfortunately, the withdrawal of the service into the city went ahead. I give my commitment to pursuing the call to have a direct service into the city reinstated. I have expressed my support to the Greystones Community DART and Rail Action Group, too, and am eager to help in any way that I can to improve the travel services for all users.

 

With regard to alternative modes of transport, it is certainly something I would be happy to look at together with representatives of the disabled community and other interested parties. But I believe the emphasis should be on calling for reinstatement and improvement of existing national transport services.

 

·        I would suggest setting up a revamped or overhauled customer/service user charter with a clear outline of complaints procedures and outcomes. Again, I must stress the importance of people power. One or two people outlining shortcomings or failings are not nearly as effective as large groups of people coming together to effect change. I will strive to make myself available to help set up and support lobby/campaign groups interested in campaigning on particular issues. I have extensive experience in this area.

 

·        On the question of physical access, can I please refer you back to my original comments with regard to the Barcelona Declaration.  I am also reminded of the phrase: ‘Good design enables, bad design disables’, which I think encapsulates the idea that if the right foundations are laid – in every sense – at the planning stage, there should never be an issue around access to buildings for anyone. Part M of the Buildings Regulations (the section on access and use for people with disabilities) falls within the remit of local government so I would be vigilant in ensuring compliance in all areas of these regulations in relation to new builds. With regard to existing buildings, those being materially altered are subject to Part M regulations. As far as the Garda Station is concerned, it does indeed disable access for wheelchair users and I’m aware of the long campaign to obtain new premises. While it is not clear when that might be, it is important to note that there ARE limited circumstances where existing buildings could be required to meet Part M standards. Under the Disability Act 2005, these standards must be met in public areas of public offices by 2015. As this is less than nine months away, I would be eager to push for these standards to be applied in the absence of new accessible premises being found/built. It may well act as an incentive to speed up the process.

 

·        My manifesto includes a commitment to work with members of the disabled community to build effective and influential campaigns in the areas they feel need to be addressed or highlighted. I will also commit to ensuring to the best of my ability that any policies or public programmes I’m involved in will be disability proofed. I will help establish a disability sub group (as mentioned above) that will act as a conduit between the disabled community and local government and which will be consulted and invited to inform decision making in areas which affect them. I will work hard to ensure that members of the Greystones/Delgany/Kilcoole/Newcastle disabled community are supported to feel an equal and valued part of our society and that our area is not just a great place to live for some, but for all.

 

·        I believe your final question is partly answered by some of the responses above. I believe how well a society is functioning can be measured in several ways but chief amongst them is how we treat our elderly, our sick and our disabled citizens. If society is to flourish for all, we must have equal participation and access for all. While many of the questions above addressed physical access and participation, there are other ways in which we can improve the social inclusion of people with disabilities. I believe there is still plenty of work to be done in challenging stereotyping and discrimination. While often not blatant, casual or veiled prejudice or discrimination occurs in many situations and I will work to highlight and challenge it when I see it. Sometimes there is a misconception that disabled people don’t have the same needs, ambitions or desires as everyone else. I would hope to help dispel that myth by actively inviting members of our disabled community to give us the benefit of their experience in this regard. I would also like to support DAG:T in establishing a needs analysis of people with disabilities in our area to identify the issues they feel need to be addressed and what we can do to facilitate the meeting of those needs. I have no doubt that social, entertainment and recreational needs will feature strongly. Again, physical access to venues/premises must always be ensured.

Loneliness and isolation, while not confined exclusively to people with disabilities, can have a devastating effect on mental wellbeing and quality of life. It is incumbent on all of us to look out for our fellow human beings by ensuring that they feel included and valued as members of society. If elected, I would hope to contribute to fostering that sense of community and inclusiveness through various community initiatives and educational programmes.

 

In conclusion, I would like to briefly outline the areas of work I have been involved in that have had a disability focus. My employment history to date has centred on local government (social housing), community development and journalism/TV research. They have all intersected on several occasions and disability has been a common focus in all three. I worked on the frontline of the busiest local authority in the UK and was responsible for overseeing applications for and allocation of social housing. Part of my role meant that I had to prepare and submit reports to medical/deciding officers about applications from people with disabilities for social housing. I would have received extensive disability awareness training at that point and gained huge insight into the housing needs of those with a disability.

In the area of community development, the emphasis on participation, empowerment and collective decision making are seen as vital components in achieving equality and social justice. During my ten years as a voluntary board member and chairperson of a community development programme in Greystones, I worked on producing a three year plan that was informed by a needs analysis and consultation with many marginalised groups and individuals in the community. It was, and remains, a government funded family resource centre and I was initially invited to participate on the original steering committee as a disability rights advocate. I had been working voluntarily as a PRO with the Wicklow network of PwDI prior to this so my experience was useful in identifying the need for a community development project in the first place. I helped create disability policies and worked hard to keep disability issues to the forefront of the work we did.

Finally, as a journalist I wrote for Rehab’s disability magazine, Insight. I became deputy editor in time and was responsible for highlighting many disability and social issues that emerged over my time with the organisation. With my background in reporting disability issues, I was asked by Dublin Community Television to carry out research for a four-part disability series they received funding to make. Following intense consultation with many people with disabilities, the areas of interest that emerged and that I subsequently had to research were; disability and access to education, family and disability, sexuality and disability, disability and the media. I would be delighted to facilitate a viewing of the four programmes if the group would like to see the outcome of my work. At every step of the process, I used a community development approach in that I only reflected the issues that came about as a result of deep and meaningful consultation with many disability groups, individuals and organisations and all the ideas for the episodes came from members of the disabled community themselves. I would hope to employ the same ethos in my work should I be successfully elected to Wicklow County Council and look forward to working closely with the disabled members of our community whatever the result of the elections.

 

Ian McGahon (Labour)

Thank you for your email. I think DAG T is a wonderful initiative.

I am drafting a response. It may take some time as the campaign is very busy.

On a personal note I share a number of your concerns around disability
and inclusion and indeed the way that the Greystones Open Forum on
facebook can be quite nasty at times. My own background is very much
one that strongly agrees with the philopsophy and ethos of what DAGT
is promoting. I have studied advocacy. On the advocacy course I did
there were numerous problems with students with disabilities caused by
the college and I had to fight the college to provide support to those
students. They eventually did. I also did a Masters in equality
studies and one of  the modules was on Equality and Disability which I
found fascinating and interesting and really eye opening. I currently
work one day per week facilitating a service users forum in Sunbeam
House Co Wicklow so I do understand some of the needs of members of
DAGT.  This work is very rewarding but very very difficult in the
current context.

One of the major issues that I am campaigning on in these local
elections is the Bus services. The NTA are basically offering 10% of
Dublin Bus services out to tender including the 184 service which
basically goes from Newtown through Delgany, Greystones then Bray.
What this potentially means from a disability perspective is that a
private operator could refuse to accept DSP bus passes in full. I am
vehemently against this as accessible public transport is VITALLY
important for elderly people and people with disabilities.

You can find details here

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/downloads/1._Consultation_Paper_-_Dublin_Bus_September_2013.pdf

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/downloads/2._Economic_Analysis_of_Direct_Award_Bus_Contract_in_the_Dublin_Market_-_Dublin_Bus_September_2013.pdf

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/downloads/3._Technical_Report_on_Contract_Options_-_Dublin_Bus_September_2013.pdf

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/downloads/4._Performance_Report_on_Current_Dublin_Bus_Direct_Award_Contract_September_2013.pdf

and the Parliamentary Question that I submitted through Anne Ferris TD
and am waiting on an answer to

http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2014-02-13a.822&s=anne+ferris+pso#g823.q

 

·        How will you improve roads and footpaths to enable people with limited mobility and/or using mobility equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking sticks to use the environment safely?

Firstly I believe it is extremely important the Barcelona Declaration which Wicklow County Council did sign up to in 2002 is upheld. There was a review in Wicklow County Council in 2008 and I think there is a need to review it again.

http://www.wicklow.ie/apps/wicklowbeta/Accessibility/Summary%20Document.pdf

The principles of Barcelona Declaration should apply to all communities / Local Authorities.

 

There needs to be consultation with DAG:T and other residents with limited mobility to locate where there are exact problems. This is essential as all disability-related decisions should be informed by those directly involved and affected. Residents with other disabilities such as those with visual impairment must also be consulted as they have different needs for example regarding road surfaces – tactile road surface does not suit all wheels for example.

 

How will you challenge or ameliorate the additional costs the present government has imposed on DAG:T constituents which they can barely manage e.g.

o   Water charges

o   Household taxes

o   Prescription charges

o   Withdrawal of medical cards

o   Poor HSE services in Co Wicklow which impact on ‘living well and coping’ in Greystones.

I raise these issues with TDs regularly. Most of these are national budgetary issues which Cllrs can lobby on but not make full decisions on. I feel very strongly that water charges and household charges must be changed by the current government to refelect low incomes and indeed the extra costs that people with disabilities incur. I will lobby and campaign strongly internally within the Labour Party and indeed local disability groups on these issues.

With regard to the HSE issue I think that the National Advocacy Service is a fantastic service that needs to be promoted much more to people with disabilities. I see the role of county councillor to lobby and campaign for overall improved services and the NAS to address individual rights violations or poor service provision by the HSE locally.

·        How will you improve the household disability adaptation grants to enable Greystones population of elderly, sick and disabled people a) receive sufficient funding for adaptations, b)receive independent, skilled support for applicants in applying for and using the monies in ways they deem suitable for their needs .  (To date WCC are demanding applicants use the monies as the occupational therapists see fit, rather than what the person themselves really want. There is evidence of ‘bullying’ in this regard.)

 

A)  I would use my membership of Wicklow County Council to ensure there is an increase in the overall budget for disability adaptation grants. This was done in Dublin City Council recently and was championed by Labour members and opposed by Sinn Fein/Fianna Fail members.

B)  I support a rights approach whereby the individual has decision-making power regarding the use of the funds. Occupational therapists are trained to assess the needs of an individual therefore I am of the view that the occupational therapist should have some say in how to use funds.

I am of the view that any adaptation work carried out must be done transparently in terms of building contracts, value for money and who is tendering. Any funds coming from the tax payer must be used in a transparent manner and without waste.

 

If there is evidence of bullying I think this is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed. I think perhaps an independent advocate from the National Advocacy Service can address that.

 

·        How will you help and facilitate independent living for any older, sick, or disabled person who wishes to remain in the community in their own homes?

This needs to be looked at on a case by case basis. There is already quite a number of disability service providers who assist independent living in the community.  I am aware for example that Cheshire Ireland provide some housing for people with disabilities in the Greystones area. I think a review needs to be done to look at what is currently available and what supports are needed.

 

·        Since the government has ceased the mobility allowance/motorised transport grant sick and disabled people have no additional funds for transport needs. We live in a rural area with poor transport despite the DART.   Many sick and disabled people already on low disability/sickness benefits have had to spend more of it on raised medical costs. Now they have to pay for taxi’s to take them to hospital appointment (since they cannot use public transport).  From Greystones to St Vincent’s it costs 50euro (100e round trip) this is impossible for most.  How will you service disabled people’s transport needs for access to hospitals, GP’s, Physiotherapists and so on. A new scheme for local disability transport is urgently needed. (Easi-cabs though cheaper is STILL beyond many disabled people’s budget).

Public Transport accessibility in particular is an issue I am fighting strongly for. I have raised the need of the 184 bus service in Greystones to continue to accept bus passes when it is contracted out under a new public service obligation. I will lobby the Minister to ensure that there is an adequate replacement for the transport grant.

 

·        How will you oversee complaints made to the HSE by Greystones residents who are in receipt of care services? There is evidence that WCC are not adhering to ‘Your Say , Your Service’ complaints procedures.

 

While I would not interfere with a complaints process, if elected I would of course be available to assist people with the process should they need help.

 

If there is evidence that Wicklow County Council are not adhering to complaints procedures this needs to be raised with the Ombudsmans office.

 

·        How will you improve public amenities so that they are all disabled accessible? (The police station is STILL inaccessible to wheelchair users despite years of representation to move the location of the station for access purposes).

 

Again the principles of Barcelona Declaration best address public accessibility. There is no need to reinvent the wheel if we follow these principles. I would try and work to ensure that Wicklow County Council does not remove the current funding which employs staff members for social inclusion issues. I will also lobby within Wicklow County Council to rehire an accessibility officer. I know from my own work that an accessibility officer is badly needed.

 

On a general comment it is also unclear as yet how the new Municipal Authorites will work in practice but obviously they do need to be answerable and accountable to local communities. Perhaps DAG-T could also look at becoming involved in the Wicklow Community Forum and also possibly the Wicklow County Council Local Community Development Committee.

There is a section on the Wicklow Community Forum about the new Local government reforms. http://www.wicklowforum.ie/#!news

 

·         Do you have a manifesto section for DAG:T constituents. i.e. have you drawn up a plan for action for sick, disabled or older people living in Greystones? (if so may we have a copy?)

 

I don’t have an overall manifesto.

 

I am very supportive of disability issues and aiming for rights-based approach in the area of disability.

 

I have been involved with the disability section of the Labour Party. The focus of our work has been on Education : Early Intervention (equal opportunities and supports for children affected by a disability), 3^rd level supports for students with disabilities (technology) and training for adults.

 

Cost of Disability is another area the group has been raising, and although the economic situation significantly affects the funding that is needed this area has to be highlighted because we know that people with disabilities experience have higher living costs.

 

·        How will you improve social and recreational facilities to ensure DAG:T constituents are able to enjoy ‘everything Greystones has to offer’?

 

Promoting the ideals of DAG T – community inclusiveness is a basic and simple idea that I would strongly support. I would fight to maintain Social Inclusion staff on the County Council and look for a review of Wicklow County Councils implementation of the Barcelona Declaration. Also planning consultations need to adequately include local people with disabilities.

We thank you for answering these questions as they will inform DAG:T constituents in how they will vote.

If you have a manifesto will you be producing accessible copies in:

·        Braille/large print

·        Irish Sign language (DVD)

·        Simple language for intellectually impaired people

 

I don’t have an overall manifesto

 

Grainne McLoughlin (FG)

I promise to ensure that I speak up for the disability sector and to make their opinions and needs known and heard.  Most of your questions pertain to national government policies and I have a policy that I never promise to do something I cannot be 100% sure that I can fulfil. That is me been honest Margaret. 

As I said I am not happy with the cuts in services - I have never been so and indeed with many other cuts and tax increases that have affected everyone in our society.  I will do my very best to ensure that my voice is heard and to represent your sector as well as all the others in the most transparent manner possible.  

Having had to use a mobility scooter for only eight short weeks a couple of years ago, I understand (albeit temporarily) the difficulty facing anyone with a disability trying to use the footpath and road network in Greystones and environs.  I had secured funding for footpath improvement works to Burnaby Park but unfortunately due to the proposals been brought to An Bord Pleanala, the delay meant I lost the funding.  However, planning is approved now and I will vigorously pursue it going forward

I have constantly been lobbying for improved footpaths etc and will continue to do so.  Greystones has received appalling funding and hopefully under the new Municipal regime, more funding will become available

As you are probably aware, I am director of the Greystones Arts Festival and have always ensured that people with disabilities have had access at all times.  It is in our health and safety statement.  I am very involved with many events and I noted your comments to Kathleen Kelleher regarding the parade and if elected will ensure that there is adequate disability space.  For the Christmas Lights, we did allocate space in front of the stage for people in wheelchairs. 

I agree that all public spaces including the Garda Station should be accessible and will continue to lobby for a new station which is badly needed.  Many of your issues relate to government policy and government is fully aware of my stance on many issues.  A very close family relative has a severe disability and she does not have a full medical card and that does sadden me and the list is endless.

I appreciate fully how difficult it is for so many people and not only those with a disability and of course want to see better outcomes for everyone.

I will continue to lobby my colleagues, that I promise you but I, nor any councillor can promise that I personally can change national policy.  It will not stop me from trying though and using my voice within Fine Gael to achieve the very best possible outcome.

Regarding overseeing complaints, to the very best of my ability I follow up on complaints and will always revert with a reply even if it is not a positive one.  But, for the most part I do my very best to achieve positive outcomes where possible.

I am an open transparent person and of course I am not happy with so many aspects of the conditions for our citizens, but I work as hard as possible to achieve the best outcomes and that I can promise you.

My stance on everything is 'I will not promise anything that I cannot achieve to be populist" - having three years experience in the council, it is only now I am getting to grips with how it works and I believe I am in a far better position to achieve as much as possible.

I am a member of Fine Gael, because I firmly believe there is no other party that could and will get our country back on its economic feet again and return us to a prosperous fair society.  That does not mean I agree with everything that comes from central government - far from it, but I do believe that we have achieved alot and now that things are turning, that it is time to improve the lot of our citizens - across all sectors.

 

I am not trying to fob you off, I am just trying to be as honest as possible.

 

Derek Mitchell (FG)

I have been and am standing again for election to Wicklow County Council. Most of your questions relate to national policy which are not under the control of the Council. I have supported improvements for facilities for disabled people which are under the Council. These include;

·                 Making changes and adjustments to the main area of the town so that it is accessible.

·                   Improving and providing footpaths

·                 Providing a controlled crossing on Bellvue Road to assist people in a Sunbeam House facility.

·                 Supporting the construction of a considerable number of houses for disabled people in St. Brigit’s Park against the opposition of some local residents.

·                 I will be continuing to seek improvements in the above and other areas. I am also trying to get a Primary Healthcare Centre established in the town to include mental issues.

·                 I will continue to support the provision of accessible facilities at the Garda Station, something I have tried to get many times.

·                 I initiated the successful campaign to get the swimming pool which has many facilities for disabled people.

·                 For many years I have pressed for pedestrian crossings and better footpaths at Killincarrick and to Delgany Wood and I am pleased that they will now be done this year.

 

As this is a local election I am only producing a single leaflet which I attach. I have tried to use simple language with points illustrated by pictures.

 

 Gerry Walsh ( FF)

 

Thanks for your recent email.

Supporting the well-being of sick,disabled and elderly members of our community has always been a priority of mine.

My canvassing has brought these issues into focus and I have began to highlight them in the current issue of the North Wicklow Times, with  specific regard to the impact of prescription charges.

On a local level the implementation of ramps facilitating access to areas of the town is long overdue.

In my role of Sergeant in our local station I always encouraged our community Gardai to make regular calls to elderly residents.

If elected I will endeavour to improve the conditions of the most vulnerable in our locality. 

 

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