Menu
04/02/2004
Murphy outlines disability cause at conference
Secretary of State Paul Murphy today welcomed delegates to an international conference on disability in Belfast as part of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
The 'Breaking the Barriers' conference was organised to discuss how public services in Northern Ireland can better address the needs of people with disabilities.
Mr Murphy said: "This Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. In any modern, competitive society, which embraces diversity, all our citizens should be able to take advantage of the widest possible range of services, facilities and jobs without artificial barriers being placed in their way.
"Legislation which provides protection from discrimination and places duties on employers and service-providers to provide access for people with disabilities is an important step in this process. We must build on this legislation."
The Secretary of State also pointed to the wider international significance of the 'Breaking the Barriers' conference. This is particularly important in the light of the United Nations work on drafting a convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the designation of 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities, he said.
The conference, run jointly the Department for Social Development, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in partnership with Disability Action, was attended by 200 delegates from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Delegates heard speeches from international experts and had a chance to discuss issues in breakout workshops.
(MB)
The 'Breaking the Barriers' conference was organised to discuss how public services in Northern Ireland can better address the needs of people with disabilities.
Mr Murphy said: "This Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. In any modern, competitive society, which embraces diversity, all our citizens should be able to take advantage of the widest possible range of services, facilities and jobs without artificial barriers being placed in their way.
"Legislation which provides protection from discrimination and places duties on employers and service-providers to provide access for people with disabilities is an important step in this process. We must build on this legislation."
The Secretary of State also pointed to the wider international significance of the 'Breaking the Barriers' conference. This is particularly important in the light of the United Nations work on drafting a convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the designation of 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities, he said.
The conference, run jointly the Department for Social Development, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in partnership with Disability Action, was attended by 200 delegates from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Delegates heard speeches from international experts and had a chance to discuss issues in breakout workshops.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
08 February 2024
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
29 September 2003
Belfast conference to mark European Year of People with Disabilities
A major ‘barrier breaking’ conference to mark the European Year of People with Disabilities will be held in Belfast this November.
Belfast conference to mark European Year of People with Disabilities
A major ‘barrier breaking’ conference to mark the European Year of People with Disabilities will be held in Belfast this November.
12 January 2004
Top experts to attend Belfast Disability Awareness Conference
A number of international speakers are set to converge on Belfast next month to address a major conference to mark the European Year for People with Disabilities. ‘Breaking the Barriers’, which will take place at the Belfast City Hall on February 4 and 5, aims to raise awareness about issues affecting people with disabilities.
Top experts to attend Belfast Disability Awareness Conference
A number of international speakers are set to converge on Belfast next month to address a major conference to mark the European Year for People with Disabilities. ‘Breaking the Barriers’, which will take place at the Belfast City Hall on February 4 and 5, aims to raise awareness about issues affecting people with disabilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
