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04/02/2004
Murphy outlines disability cause at conference
Secretary of State Paul Murphy today welcomed delegates to an international conference on disability in Belfast as part of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
The 'Breaking the Barriers' conference was organised to discuss how public services in Northern Ireland can better address the needs of people with disabilities.
Mr Murphy said: "This Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. In any modern, competitive society, which embraces diversity, all our citizens should be able to take advantage of the widest possible range of services, facilities and jobs without artificial barriers being placed in their way.
"Legislation which provides protection from discrimination and places duties on employers and service-providers to provide access for people with disabilities is an important step in this process. We must build on this legislation."
The Secretary of State also pointed to the wider international significance of the 'Breaking the Barriers' conference. This is particularly important in the light of the United Nations work on drafting a convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the designation of 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities, he said.
The conference, run jointly the Department for Social Development, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in partnership with Disability Action, was attended by 200 delegates from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Delegates heard speeches from international experts and had a chance to discuss issues in breakout workshops.
(MB)
The 'Breaking the Barriers' conference was organised to discuss how public services in Northern Ireland can better address the needs of people with disabilities.
Mr Murphy said: "This Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. In any modern, competitive society, which embraces diversity, all our citizens should be able to take advantage of the widest possible range of services, facilities and jobs without artificial barriers being placed in their way.
"Legislation which provides protection from discrimination and places duties on employers and service-providers to provide access for people with disabilities is an important step in this process. We must build on this legislation."
The Secretary of State also pointed to the wider international significance of the 'Breaking the Barriers' conference. This is particularly important in the light of the United Nations work on drafting a convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the designation of 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities, he said.
The conference, run jointly the Department for Social Development, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in partnership with Disability Action, was attended by 200 delegates from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Delegates heard speeches from international experts and had a chance to discuss issues in breakout workshops.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
