A number of high profile speakers participated today in a seminar in Adare, County Limerick, marking the start of National Social Inclusion Week 2010.
Mental health, debt, rural isolation and integration issues in the Mid-West were discussed at the event, entitled ‘Living with Dignity’ which aimed to recognise the right of Limerick people experiencing poverty and social inclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society.
Featured speakers at the seminar included Josephine Cotter-Coughlan, Director of Service, Limerick County Council; Pat Dowling, Director of Service, Limerick City Council; Dr Patrick Ryan, Director of Clinical Psychology in UL; Mary Kennedy, Limerick County Traveller Interagency Steering Committee; John Lawless from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Professor Denis Ryan, The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland.
Limerick City and County Councils are running a number of events during Social Inclusion Week, which runs from 17th to 23rd October, to create awareness and develop a greater understanding of social inclusion issues.
Speaking today Eugene Quinn, Joint Chair of the Limerick Integration Working Group said: “The country is facing not only an economic and fiscal crisis but a deeper crisis of confidence, of leadership and of values. People living at the margins of Irish society are most vulnerable to policy and service changes as the country faces into a 'hair-shirt' budget.”
He continued: “Mental health, debt, rural isolation and integration are real issues for Irish society and people who live here. Social inclusion measures cannot be just an optional add-on when times are good rather it is a long term commitment by Irish society to ensure all who live and reside on this island can do so with dignity.”
According to Cllr. Michael Sheahan, Leas Cathaoirleach, Limerick County Council: “Limerick like the rest of the country is currently experiencing challenging times. The challenge can only be met by working together as one community, one in which social inclusion and a united front is developed to help us strengthen our community and our economy. That is why social inclusion is so important and holds the key to Ireland’s future prosperity.”
“Achieving social inclusion in Ireland, and anywhere else for that matter, demands long-term planning and investment. The overriding principle of social inclusion must be - no matter where a person lives, where they come from, and no matter what their circumstances – every person is entitled to same rights and entitlements. The Limerick City and County Integration Working Group and other organisations, including Doras Luimní, undertake extensive work in informing and involving the community in the Limerick area in dealing with issues of immigration, racism and multiculturalism”, he added.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, commented: “2010 has been designated EU year for combating poverty and social exclusion. Both Limerick City and County Councils’ aim through this week’s series of events to highlight social inclusion initiatives, to encourage participation from all sectors of the community and to raise awareness of local social inclusion initiatives.”
“The challenge for local politicians and policymakers and all service providers, community and voluntary groups is to identify needs and implement policies and actions that will ensure that all who live and reside in Limerick can do so with dignity,” she said.
Mayor Byrne added: “During Social Inclusion Week all residents of Limerick will have the chance to learn and experience the great work being undertaken by many organisations and individuals in Limerick City and County and I would encourage participation from all sectors of the community as we strive to combat poverty and social exclusion.”
Other events that are taking place throughout Social Inclusion Week include:
Wednesday, October 20:
- Older Persons Bingo and Afternoon Tea Event - City Hall, Limerick
- Tea for Two - CDP Office, Abbeyfeale
- Family Fun Day - Desmond Complex, Newcastle West
Thursday, October 21
- Information Sessions for Members of the Travelling Community- Childers Road
- Promoting positive values through Music and Song - Galvone National School
- Comhairle na nÓg- City Hall
Friday, October 22
- Photo Exhibition “The Poverty Project 2010- Building an Inclusive Society”- The Butter Market Gallery, Upper William Street, Limerick.
Social Inclusion Week is part of the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, which aims to raise awareness about poverty and social exclusion in Europe.
For further information, please contact Valerie Thompson, Limerick County Council, 061-496368 or Deirdre Crowe, Limerick City Council, 061-407309.
Mental health, debt, rural isolation and integration issues in the Mid-West were discussed at the event, entitled ‘Living with Dignity’ which aimed to recognise the right of Limerick people experiencing poverty and social inclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society.
Featured speakers at the seminar included Josephine Cotter-Coughlan, Director of Service, Limerick County Council; Pat Dowling, Director of Service, Limerick City Council; Dr Patrick Ryan, Director of Clinical Psychology in UL; Mary Kennedy, Limerick County Traveller Interagency Steering Committee; John Lawless from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Professor Denis Ryan, The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland.
Limerick City and County Councils are running a number of events during Social Inclusion Week, which runs from 17th to 23rd October, to create awareness and develop a greater understanding of social inclusion issues.
Speaking today Eugene Quinn, Joint Chair of the Limerick Integration Working Group said: “The country is facing not only an economic and fiscal crisis but a deeper crisis of confidence, of leadership and of values. People living at the margins of Irish society are most vulnerable to policy and service changes as the country faces into a 'hair-shirt' budget.”
He continued: “Mental health, debt, rural isolation and integration are real issues for Irish society and people who live here. Social inclusion measures cannot be just an optional add-on when times are good rather it is a long term commitment by Irish society to ensure all who live and reside on this island can do so with dignity.”
According to Cllr. Michael Sheahan, Leas Cathaoirleach, Limerick County Council: “Limerick like the rest of the country is currently experiencing challenging times. The challenge can only be met by working together as one community, one in which social inclusion and a united front is developed to help us strengthen our community and our economy. That is why social inclusion is so important and holds the key to Ireland’s future prosperity.”
“Achieving social inclusion in Ireland, and anywhere else for that matter, demands long-term planning and investment. The overriding principle of social inclusion must be - no matter where a person lives, where they come from, and no matter what their circumstances – every person is entitled to same rights and entitlements. The Limerick City and County Integration Working Group and other organisations, including Doras Luimní, undertake extensive work in informing and involving the community in the Limerick area in dealing with issues of immigration, racism and multiculturalism”, he added.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, commented: “2010 has been designated EU year for combating poverty and social exclusion. Both Limerick City and County Councils’ aim through this week’s series of events to highlight social inclusion initiatives, to encourage participation from all sectors of the community and to raise awareness of local social inclusion initiatives.”
“The challenge for local politicians and policymakers and all service providers, community and voluntary groups is to identify needs and implement policies and actions that will ensure that all who live and reside in Limerick can do so with dignity,” she said.
Mayor Byrne added: “During Social Inclusion Week all residents of Limerick will have the chance to learn and experience the great work being undertaken by many organisations and individuals in Limerick City and County and I would encourage participation from all sectors of the community as we strive to combat poverty and social exclusion.”
Other events that are taking place throughout Social Inclusion Week include:
Wednesday, October 20:
- Older Persons Bingo and Afternoon Tea Event - City Hall, Limerick
- Tea for Two - CDP Office, Abbeyfeale
- Family Fun Day - Desmond Complex, Newcastle West
Thursday, October 21
- Information Sessions for Members of the Travelling Community- Childers Road
- Promoting positive values through Music and Song - Galvone National School
- Comhairle na nÓg- City Hall
Friday, October 22
- Photo Exhibition “The Poverty Project 2010- Building an Inclusive Society”- The Butter Market Gallery, Upper William Street, Limerick.
Social Inclusion Week is part of the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, which aims to raise awareness about poverty and social exclusion in Europe.
For further information, please contact Valerie Thompson, Limerick County Council, 061-496368 or Deirdre Crowe, Limerick City Council, 061-407309.
