REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE FOCUS IRELAND HOUSING PROJECT
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE FOCUS IRELAND HOUSING PROJECT PARNELL PLACE, LIMERICK ON TUESDAY 16 JUN
At a time when many people are talking about the great success of the Irish economy – the rise in affluence – the rise in employment and prosperity – it is sobering to realise that there are many people who can quite easily find themselves left behind. My visit to Parnell Place this morning – which is primarily to open the Focus housing Project - is also to give recognition to everybody at Focus – to the management – the staff – and the residents - for what they are doing for others and for themselves.
I am particularly glad to have this opportunity to meet with the residents – to listen to your stories – to talk with you - and to hear what you are doing for yourselves - with the care and attention of a group of dedicated people who have taken an interest in your wellbeing. I want to pay tribute to you for recognising that spirit of generosity – and for vindicating the staff in their spirit of care and help – and in their faith in you.
In coming to Focus – and taking accommodation here - I think you have taken a very significant step in your lives – perhaps the first step in opening up a whole new phase – in which you can continue to build on what you have done here – and from which you can move on to do different things – and go in other directions. I know that it would be impossible to compare you with each other – because you are individuals in your own right – with varying abilities and talents – different likes and dislikes – and with individual ambitions and outlooks. But here you are being given a start – and you can use it to the best of your own ability and judgement. As you move on to greater independence – there may be setbacks – and there may be times when you feel that you are not making progress. These difficult hurdles are part of all our lives – and we fall back on our knowledge and skills to overcome them. Getting over these obstacles is itself an educational and enriching exercise. But you will be the better and wiser for having come through – emerging with your dignity and self-esteem intact – and with a clearer focus on what you want to do.
I also want to pay a warm tribute to the staff for their role in giving the care, attention and guidance to those who need that vital help – at a particularly difficult time in their lives. Yours is a tremendous responsibility – one that you clearly discharge with distinction – and with a spirit of love for your fellow human beings. By facilitating that first step – by making it possible for people themselves to discover their own potential – and to realise that their destiny is very much within their own control – you have done them a great service. I want to congratulate every one of you - to pay tribute to your vision – in giving people that vital chance to make a fresh start.
I want to wish you well in your work – both as residents and as carers - in whatever direction you chose to go - and I want to thank all of you for your warm welcome this morning – and for your hospitality.
It gives me tremendous pleasure therefore – to declare the Focus Housing Project here at Parnell Place – open.