RTÉ commits to establishing independent working group on disability – Senator Harmon
RTÉ commits to establishing independent working group on disability - Senator Harmon - The Labour Party
Labour Senator Laura Harmon today received a commitment from RTÉ at the Oireachtas Disability committee that a working group for disability inclusion would be considered, she said:
“It is welcome that RTÉ Director of Video, Steve Carson told me today that RTÉ would look to establish a working group to address disability representation including disabled people from their own staff. This was in response to a question I asked and would be a welcome step in ensuring RTÉ fairly represents disabled people both in their programming and in their internal processes. Disabled people must have a voice in all decision making regarding inclusive broadcasting. More than 20% of our population are disabled and we must work to open doors to all through both media representation and equal access to employment.
“RTÉ today told us about the ways they are addressing their failure to meet the statutory public sector employment target of 6% disabled people. I am calling on RTÉ to continue to meaningfully engage with DPOs and disabled citizens in addition to establishing a working group on inclusive broadcasting. I see it as vital that those with disabilities working in the organisation be given a place at the table for these discussions.”