Minister Jerry Buttimer Visits the Carmichael Center

On April 16th, along with our fellow charities, we welcomed Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Community Development, Charities, and Rural Transport, to the Carmichael Centre. Our Cathaoirleach, Macrina Clancy, and Advocacy and Policy Officer, Ciara Power, discussed our work as an organisation and highlighted the areas which need the most funding.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Minister Buttimer last Wednesday,” said Ciara Power (APO). “Opportunities like this are always valuable for raising awareness of our organisation and sharing our key advocacy priorities.”

With Minister Buttimer’s portfolio including community development, rural transport and charities – areas that directly affect the lives of polio survivors – engaging with Polio Survivors Ireland offers important insights into the challenges our community faces.

These include the movement of polio survivors from disability payments to the state pension after 67, which ignores the continuing high cost of disability. Also poor accessibility in public spaces and rural transport, and ongoing lack of awareness around Late Effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome.

Minister Buttimer understood the importance of polio and Post Polio Syndrome advocacy. He noted the polio epidemics, particularly in Cork , where he is from. “It was a really significant era in Irish history.”

Our APO, Ciara emphasised the importance of this opportunity to meet. “I look forward to continuing our engagement with him, particularly around future funding opportunities for the sector.”

This event in Carmichael Centre allowed us to highlight our work, ensuring that polio survivors remain visible among TDs, as we work towards improving the lives of those living with the impact of these disease.