David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the most recent Irish national information day on disability; his views on its success or otherwise; when and if the next such day will take place; the theme to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5150/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Irish national information day on disability has been held annually since 1997. It is part of an EU-wide annual programme of national information days in each member state, with the goal of raising disability awareness throughout the Union. Topics of the Irish national information day have included Progress Through Employment and Information Technology — Access for All.

The most recent national information day was held on 8 December 2004 in The Helix, Dublin. Its main focus was the awards ceremony for a nationwide primary school essay competition on the theme Someone like Me. The aim of the competition was to get younger children thinking about people with disabilities and the fact that people with disabilities are more like than unlike people without disabilities.

The awards ceremony was attended by the 26 children who were the county winners, their family members, teachers and friends. The prizes were awarded by the Minister of State with special responsibility for equality, Deputy Fahey. The national winner received €700 worth of vouchers and €12,000 vouchers for her school in Edenderry, County Offaly. The county winners each received €200 worth of vouchers for art supplies, books, audio and video equipment, and €2000 worth of vouchers for computer and audio-visual equipment for their schools. The overall prize fund was in excess of €60,000.

A booklet with the essays of the national and county winners and a DVD featuring an animated series of short stories on the theme of disability is being distributed to national schools around the country. This information is also being distributed to citizen information centres, libraries, various media organisations and local disability networks through People with Disabilities Ireland.

Informal feedback from schools, parents, and the children themselves was positive. It is expected that an evaluation of the event will be prepared for the Department shortly. Another national information day is planned for this year, the theme for which is under consideration.