'We have got to make a step in the right direction' - calls for dedicated inclusion officer in Tipperary
Calls were made for Tipperary County Council to appoint a full-time inclusion officer
Calls were made for Tipperary County Council to appoint a full-time inclusion officer to help improve access to services for older people and people with disabilities throughout the county.
The motion was brought before the June Council meeting of the local authority by Independent councillor Liam Browne. The motion is in support of the Irish Wheelchair Association's "It's No Joke" campaign.
The campaign is calling for every local authority in Ireland to appoint a dedicated professional to improve disability access to public services and amenities in local communities.
Introducing the motion, Cllr Browne said the role would promote inclusion across all council services and would benefit a wide section of society. "I would like to propose that motion to provide a full time disability officer," he said.
"There is legislation that covers this and I think it needs to be enacted. I think we have got to look after people with disabilities in every service that we provide."
He emphasised that the issue goes beyond disability services alone. "This is inclusion, it is not just disability. We are talking about people who are getting older who we have got to provide services to."
Cllr Browne added by stating that securing funding would be crucial if the proposal is to become a reality. "There is no point in agreeing here with the motion and then come budget time not having the funding," he said.
"We have got to make a step in the right direction." In his closing address he said that a full-time inclusion officer would provide oversight over council services and help ensure everyone is included.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Peggy Ryan, who said Tipperary risks falling behind other local authorities if the position is not established. "I think it is vital that we have this officer in place as soon as possible as we are falling behind in comparison to other local authorities," she said, noting that Dublin City Council has already advertised for a similar post.
Support for the proposal was also voiced by Cllr David Dunne and Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh, both of whom highlighted the importance of securing funding for the position. Tipperary County Council confirmed in its response that it has contacted the Department of Local Government to establish the funding position in relation to the proposed role.