[/caption] Down District SDLP Councillor Anne McAleenan has spoken out in support of a motion by party colleague Carmel O’Boyle. Councillor O’Boyle has called for the establishment of a Cross-Party Disability Awareness Group and Councillor McAleenan,who seconded the Down Council motion said, “I wish to fully support Councillor O’Boyle’s motion and thank her for bringing it before Council. “As stated, the Disability and Equality Act 2010 provides a new framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. It updates, simplifies and strengthens previous legislation as well as delivering a framework of discrimination law that protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society. “This Disability Awareness Working Group would ensure that the appropriate disability agencies are consulted in relation to decisions made by Council –one example would be when Council is making a decision in respect of facilities within new/current playgrounds. “This legislation is very welcome as it has been long overdue. However I would urge all employers across Down District to take time to read the detail of this legislation to ensure total compliance especially in respect of recruitment processes and procedures.”]]>