I am delighted to be here with you this evening for the St. Michael’s House 50th Anniversary Gala Ball.
This occasion gives all of those involved in St. Michael’s House an opportunity to look back with pride at how they have improved the quality of life of so many people with disabilities. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government, I would like to thank all of those who have been involved over the last 50 years in providing this excellent service. Without their help, dedication and commitment, St. Michael’s House would not hold the position it does in the community today.
The type of care offered to people with disabilities in Ireland has improved dramatically in the past 50 years. We have seen a growing emphasis on the development of more community-based services. The range of support services has been significantly enhanced, making it possible for people with disabilities to remain within their local communities and to live as independently as possible.
However, Irish society for many years neglected the needs of this vulnerable group. We relied on religious and voluntary groups, as well as families to fill the breach.
We are now tackling that historic deficit. The Disability Strategy, which I launched last year, is an ambitious combination of policies, legislation, structures and resources which builds on the existing Equality Framework to protect and support people with disabilities.
Work is underway in the Health Services to develop the regulations and standards necessary to implement the Act, and consultations are continuing with regard to the sectoral plans, which will be finalised next June.
know that the Disability Act has some critics. However, I believe it is a radical change in our approach to service delivery, and we now want to work with all groups to implement it effectively.
Of course, the State’s growing provision must not displace the unique value provided by voluntary and community-based services. A new model is required, to combine the different networks of services and care in an efficient and flexible way. This type of model can already be seen within St. Michael’s House. It has been developed through the shared commitment and dedication of the Government, staff, professionals and, of course, the families of service users in St. Michael’s House.
Indeed, I believe the important role that parents have played in the development of St. Michael’s House deserves a special mention this evening. Every aspect of the organisation has benefited in some way from the involvement of the parents of children using these services. Of course, as you all know, it was the hard work of a group of parents which began the journey for St. Michael’s House in 1955. It is inspiring to see the long-lasting and far-reaching effects that this involvement has had, and this association continues at every level to this day.
When it first opened its doors in 1955, St. Michael’s house provided services to just 7 pupils. Today it provides a range of specialised services to over 1400 children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families, through 130 community based services. I know that this level of growth comes about as a result of hard work, determination and dedication on behalf of everyone involved. This celebration offers us a perfect opportunity to congratulate each and every person who has been involved in making St. Michael’s House one of Ireland’s largest providers of services for people with a learning disability and their families.
The professional and dedicated care shown by the staff here in St. Michael’s House, gives us a model of service, and there is no doubt that the services provided here can easily compare with the best of international practice. Indeed, I am pleased to note that St. Michael’s House is actively involved in supporting the development of services to people with an intellectual disability in Egypt, Georgia and Bulgaria. This involvement shows just how well respected St. Michael’s House has become by their peers, both nationally and internationally.
I would like to thank St. Michael’s House for the outstanding contribution they have made over the last 50 years to the provision of services for people with disabilities. I would also like to wish them well in the other anniversary celebrations they have planned throughout the year. Every opportunity should be taken in this special year, to reflect on the important work done here, and the difference that St. Michael’s House makes to the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
Furthermore, I wish them every success over the next 50 years as they continue to develop new models of supports that will ensure that people with an intellectual disability are equal partners in society.
Thank you.
ENDS.