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National Advisory Council celebrate busy year at AGM

On Saturday November 8th, the National Advisory Council (NAC) held their AGM. It took place at 1pm in the Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown. The National DSI AGM took place immediately after, at 2pm.

Members of the NAC include Fintan Bray (Chairperson), Una Coates (PRO), Orla Casey (Secretary), Eric Nolan and Sinéad Friel. The NAC gave a presentation to members and DSI’s Board of Directors on the work they have done this past 18 months.

Former members of the NAC also attended. Ross O’Neill, Eileen Dunne and Fionn Angus Crombie. This was also Sinéad Friel’s final NAC meeting as her term has come to an end.

Fintan Bray speaking at the AGM
Images of Simon harris with NAC members, the NAC in Christmas jumpers, Conor O'Donnell in Election ad

The NAC presented on the work they have done. They have worked on projects with Transport for Ireland, to help improve transport for people with Down syndrome. They have helped DSI with lots of Easy Read documents. They have worked with international Down syndrome charities in Scotland, Russia and Taiwan. They have worked closely with the RACs around the country. The NAC have also worked on projects around voting with the Electoral Commission, ensuring that people with Down syndrome get their voice heard. They have worked with Inclusion Ireland. They have been represented on RTÉ, The Journal, Ireland AM and other news outlets. They also met with Tanaiste Simon Harris and spoke about their concerns.

Images of members of the NAC voting, at a bus and with Simon Harris
L-R: Conor O’Donnell in Electoral Commission advert, Ross and Una with TFI and entire NAC with Simon Harris for WDSD.

Eileen Dunne gave a powerful speech on her work as ambassador with Down Syndrome International as she steps away from her role. She wishes the next ambassador all the luck and support. A new ambassador will be voted in within the next few weeks. The NAC have loved working closely with Eileen and she is also a member of the Louth Meath RAC, so they look forward to continuing working with her.

Fionn Angus Crombie also gave a speech about the work he has been up to. Fionn was the first person with Down syndrome to be on DSI’s Board of Directors. Recently Fionn has founded the Abundance programme, a social enterprise initiative dedicated to empowering young adults with Down syndrome through supported entrepreneurship and full citizenship. Fionn’s term on the Board has also come to an end. The NAC want to wish Fionn all the best and hope to stay in touch and work with him again.

The NAC were delighted with the positive feedback they got from their presentation from members and the Board. They are already excited for what is to come in 2026!

Members of the NAC at their AGM
Top L-R: Sinéad Flynn (NAC Facilitator), Una Coates (PRO), Gerard O’Carroll (Outgoing DSI President), Edel Bane (NAC Facilitator)
Bottom L-R: Orla Casey (Secretary), Fintan Bray (Chairperson), Sinéad Friel and Eric Nolan.