The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has welcomed the decision made today (Monday 10th May) by the Circuit Court in the case of Joan Salmon v Para Equestrian Ireland (PEI).




The Circuit Court Judge, Justice Katherine Delahunt found that Ms. Salmon, a blind horsewoman, had been victimised by Para Equestrian Ireland following her questioning through the media why she was not allowed by PEI to bring her guide dog to a training event in Scotland in July 2001.




Finding in favour of Ms. Salmon, Justice Delahunt ordered PEI to pay &euro3,500 in compensation and to re-instate Joan to membership of and full participation in the sporting events of Para Equestrian Ireland, and that reasonable accommodation be provided to permit her to participate fully. The case taken by Ms. Salmon was an appeal of the ODEI (the Equality Tribunal) decision in February of this year which found against her. This appeal was supported by the Equality Authority.




Speaking today, Joan Salmon said. “I am glad that justice has now been done so that I can compete internationally in the sport that I love. This is all that I have wanted for a very long time and I am glad that I can close the chapter on this book and move on. I would like to thank all who have helped me through this, especially the Equality Authority, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, and the Royal National College for the Blind.”




Commenting on the case, Mr. Des Kenny, Chief Executive of NCBI said “NCBI is pleased with the verdict announced today, and commends Joan Salmon for her courage and determination in taking this case. We welcome the landmark decision which underpins the right of a person to use the media to make known a perceived grievance without fear of recriminations. It is NCBI’s desire to support PEI in whatever way possibly in rebuilding trust and goodwill between Joan and PEI.




ENDS




Monday 10th May 2004




For further information please contact:


Sarah Gahan on 01 8307033 or 087 6846088.