REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT ST. CRONAN’S TRAINING CENTRE, ROSCREA, CO. TIPPERARY
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT ST. CRONAN’S TRAINING CENTRE, ROSCREA, CO. TIPPERARY THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 1998
I am delighted to have this opportunity to be with you this afternoon on European Day of Disabled People – a day when, all over Europe, the needs and requirements of disabled people are very much in everybody’s mind as we set about ‘Breaking Barriers Together’ – changing people’s attitudes and perceptions to people with disabilities – and how we can change the way we do things in our environment to take account of their physical and emotional needs.
Of course I know that at St. Cronan’s, every day is a special day for disabled people – and that over the last nineteen years you have been working tirelessly to carve a place in society for people from North Tipperary, South Offaly and West Laois. So my visit today is also to recognise what you have done – and what you have achieved in breaking barriers in your area – and in enriching the lives of many who have a positive contribution to make to their community, and who are eager for the chance to participate in the economic and social life of their own place.
I know too that it can’t always be easy – that there are many occasions when you have to call on others for help. But in your case that vital help has been forthcoming from the statutory agencies such as the Health Boards – with whom you have a very positive relationship that has manifested itself in premises, funding, professional support and advice, staffing for the pre-vocational training unit, and a significant contribution towards the capital cost of the building that you now occupy.
On this European Day it is also appropriate that we recognise the significance of your European links which mean that European Regional Development Funding is making it possible to carry out your refurbishment programme that is currently under way – and the European Social Fund is assisting with 40 of your trainees in the Training Opportunities Programme and the Skills Base. The Department of Health and Children are also providing assistance for 4 people under substitute ESF funding – one of whom I understand has achieved an average of 92% in ‘Book Keeping and Accounts’, while another is doing very well on a ‘Managing you Work’ course.
But one of the most beneficial relationships which you have developed is with the local community here in Roscrea and the surrounding areas – where you have established vital links with business and groups that have proved to be very beneficial in terms of providing employment opportunities for trainees – and for the crucial moral and financial support that they provide. So you have set up a considerable of support which acts as a partnership of skills talents and resources, all focused on meeting the needs of those who rely on the services of St. Cronan’s. I want to pay a warm tribute to all of the organisations, groups and individuals who are with you in that partnership – and whose continued support is a clear vindication of the work that you do here.
We are all aware of the tremendous progress that has been made in Ireland in recent years – with impressive economic growth – with record levels of job creation – and with great hopes for further developments in the years ahead. But the true measure of our success is in our ability to bring all sections of society with us – to find a place for everybody to make their contribution. Without everybody’s involvement we are not performing to the best of our abilities – and not using all of our talents. So it is important that we have centres like St. Cronan’s – where people with special needs can receive the help and assistance that they require to enable them to use their talents and to acquire the skills they need to make their contribution.
Underlying your success has been your ability to cope with the many changes in society over the last nineteen years – and to continue to strive for higher standards of excellence in what you do – with, for example, your achievement of the ISO 9001 Quality mark for your Training Services and your ongoing work towards the Quality mark for your Sheltered and Community Employment Services and your application to the National Accreditation Committee for Centre of Excellence approval. And I know that you are already planning ahead with a needs assessment planned to begin next month.
It has been a pleasure to be with you today and I am delighted with the very warm welcome which I have received. You have achieved much over the last two decades – and you are well placed to continue with your valuable work through strategic partnerships and with the support of the communities which you serve. I wish you well in that work.