Sir, - Dr Mark Harrold (December 13th) said he had mixed emotions at the £6 million sponsorship by business of the forthcoming Special Olympics World Games in 2003. While welcoming this gesture of support he drew attention to the fact that here in Ireland there are "human rights abuses being perpetrated against mentally handicapped people in institutional care".
He is absolutely right to caution that as we present images of a caring Ireland in 2003, at the same time we may be condoning abuses of human and civil rights. For decades, our association has drawn attention to the plight of people with an intellectual disability who have been institutionalised and ignored. There has undoubtedly been progress over the years, but the rate of such progress can never be satisfactory as long as even one Irish citizen is denied his or her human rights. As Dr Harrold points out, there are over 1,000 still in this position. We are grateful to those officials and staff who have helped to make such progress as there has been, to those members of the media who have helped to expose the inadequate system, and to individuals like Annie Ryan who have worked tirelessly to highlight denials of human rights in our institutions.
It is clear that we must celebrate the coming to Ireland in 2003 of what can be a huge festival and celebration of the abilities and talents of special Olympians from all over the world. Before then it is essential that we put our house in order and do more than pay lip service to the rights of the individual.
Those who are now locked away from the public gaze should be enabled to participate in the celebrations. When our association's support was sought for the bid to bring the World Games to Ireland, we agreed on two conditions: firstly, the significant level of revenue necessary to run such an event should not come from the funds needed to provide on-going essential services; secondly, that every single individual with special needs should participate in, and benefit from, the celebration of the games. These individuals should of course include those presently in institutional care. Yours, etc.,
Gerry Ryan, General Secretary, National Association for
Mentally Handicapped of Ireland,Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.