Dear Minister Flanagan,

I am writing to you to express my concerns regarding the impending closure of the National Platform of Self-Advocates, a national organisation led by people with intellectual disabilities to represent the voice of people with intellectual disabilities at all levels of society, and set up as a Disabled Persons Organisation for this purpose.

Over the past 8 years, the Platform has consistently advocated on behalf of their members and the wider community of people with intellectual disabilities, by delivering public consultations, research projects, training practitioners and campaigning on the right to live independently and employment for people with disabilities.

Yet in spite of the Platform’s achievements, people with intellectual disabilities remain one of the most underserved and marginalised groups in Irish society, a legacy from our historical reliance on institutions as well as the perception that people with intellectual disabilities are objects of charity, without having rights themselves. They have been absent from contributing to important conversations which impact their lives, on the right to live independently in the community, the right to work, the right to education, the right to have relationships, to live lives without fear of discrimination, violence and abuse, and be part of a society which respects their dignity and human rights. People with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately subjected to higher levels of ableist hate crime and violence than the general population, and they face barriers at every corner to accessing the justice system. These are all issues where people with intellectual disabilities have lots to say on, and they deserve to have their voices heard at all corners of Irish society.

Organisations like the National Platform of Self-advocates give people with intellectual disabilities the platform they deserve to raise the issues that most matter to them. To close the National Platform due to funding issues would be a massively short-sighted decision, particularly with their role in monitoring and implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and even with the funding issues experienced by the disability sector, their work and experience should be valued by Irish society. I anticipate that in line with Article 29 of the UN CRPD, organisations that represent people with disabilities like the National Platform of Self-advocates receive the funding and stability they need to help them carry out this critical and necessary work.

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Carroll
Member of the Disability Advisory Committee of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

Donna McNamara

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you as a former constituent to express my deep concern at the news that The National Platform of Self Advocates is being forced to close due to lack of funding. I implore you to consider urgent action in this regard as the...

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Tony Gapper

Dear Minister Flanagan, The closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates in January 2020 is simply an outrage, due to alleged funding concerns; which is run by individuals with intellectual disabilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For those...

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Jyrki Pinomaa – President Inclusion Europe

To Minister for Justice, Mr. Charlie Flanagan The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) clearly states that all people with disabilities have the right to be included in the community. The motto of the international disability...

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Karen O’Shea

Dear Mr Flanagan From its very beginning the National Platform of Self- Advocates has sought to be an independent voice for people with disabilities and is unique in what it offers in this country. The Platform have researched, campaigned and offered their experience...

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Richard Patterson

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing in relation to the recent announcement on the day referred to by social model of disability advocates and activists as International Day of Disabled People that the National Platform of Self Advocates “will be closing down [its]...

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Charlotte May-Simera

Dear Ministers, I am writing to express my serious concern about the recent announcement of the National Platform that they must cease their activities due to a lack of funding. This is the only independent advocacy organization, established over the last 8 years,...

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Edel McSharry

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. It is essential that this does not...

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Emma Burns

Dear Minister Flanagan, I’m writing to protest the imminent closure of the National Platform of Self-Advocates and to ask you to intervene to prevent the blow to disability rights in Ireland that this loss represents. Ireland was one of the last state parties to...

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Disabled Women Ireland

Mr Flanagan, It is with anger and sadness that Disabled Women Ireland learned of the imminent closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates. It is entirely unacceptable that a state which spends a significant amount on “disability issues” fails to find and adapt...

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Mark Kealy

Dear Minister, I am dismayed to learn that the National Platform of Self-Advocates have been forced to announce they are ceasing operations from January due to an absence of funding and support for their work. I have been involved with advocacy groups since the 1980's...

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Centre for Disability Law and Policy

Centre for Disability Law and Policy, Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Dangan, North Campus NUI Galway. info.cdlp@nuigalway.ie 6th December 2019 FAO: Minister Charlie Flanagan CC: Minister Finian McGrath RE: Letter of support NPSA The Centre for Disability Law...

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Maria Walls

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am deeply disappointed at the lack of on-going funding to support the extremely important work of the National Platform of Self Advocates. Similar groups exist in all other jurisdictions some called People First. They need adequate on-going...

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Paula Brennan

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding.  It is essential that this does not...

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Shelley Gaynor -ILMI

Dear Minster I am writing to you in relation to closure of National advocacy Platform. As the Former chairperson of Independent Living Movement ILMI. I know firsthand of the importance of having a disabled persons organisation to hear the true authentic voice of...

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Helen McGloin

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am urging you to engage with the stakeholders in the true spirit of partnership as suggested below by my colleague Susan Carton and ensure that this service and the valuable network and support is not lost. Best wishes Helen McGloin PhD...

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Carmel Jennings

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to let you know of my huge disappointment at the closing down of the National Platform of Self Advocates due to lack of funding. How can you justify this decision? Functioning democracy depends on citizens having equal rights and...

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Fiona Walsh

Dear Minister McGrath, I am writing to you to raise awareness of the importance of funding Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPO’s) and especially regarding the position of the National Platform of Self Advocates (http://thenationalplatform.ie/) which has stated it...

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Catherine O’Leary

Dear Minister Flanagan, I write to express my disappointment at the announced closure of the National Platform of Self Advocates, Ireland's only Disabled Persons Organization (DPO) operated by those with intellectual disability. The consultation and involvement of...

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Susan Carton

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with regard to the National Platform of Self Advocates. As I’m sure you are aware, the National Platform is having to make the decision to close in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. It is essential that this does not...

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Sarah Lennon

Dear Minister Flanagan, I am writing to you with dismay at the news that the National Platform of Self Advocates is to close after almost 9 years due to a lack of funding. The Platform has been a critical voice for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland, a...

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