Newbridge's Conor has the Tánaiste’s ear
Conor O'Donnell with Simon Harris
Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council met with Tánaiste Simon Harris this week ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, and Conor O’Donnell from Newbridge as Public Relations Officer of the National Advisory Council (NAC) got to meet him.
The NAC is a panel of adult members who guide Down Syndrome Ireland. They campaign and advocate for people with Down syndrome across Ireland on issues including transport, voting rights, employment and education.
“It's important we show our voice, and it's very important to see who we really are and what the NAC does. The NAC is important because we are the voice of people with Down syndrome. We talk about very important things including transport and employment,” said Conor.
He is no stranger to meeting well-known figures. Conor is an actor best known for his role in ‘Bad Sisters’ with a star-studded cast including Sharon Horgan.
Conor is also passionate about voting rights for people with disabilities and has worked with the Electoral Commission to promote the importance of democracy.
During the meeting with the Tánaiste, the NAC and Down Syndrome International’s Irish ambassador Eileen Dunne shared their experiences of employment, independence and their advocacy work. They also spoke about improvements needed in society for people with disabilities.
Tánaiste Simon Harris praised the work of the NAC saying: “I was delighted to welcome Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council to Government Buildings and get an insight into the incredible work they are doing to advocate for people with Down syndrome.”
Ross O’Neill, chairperson of the NAC, said: “Meeting Simon Harris is important, to make sure our voice is heard. We wanted to share our experience.
