Launch of Postage Stamp Marking the 30th Anniversary of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (1976 - 2006)

In looking at the work being undertaken by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind some powerful words jump out such as Independent Living and Mobility, skills that the majority of people take for granted.

Over the past thirty years, led by your founders, the late Mrs. Dunlop and your President Mr. Jim Dennehy, a local Cork businessman, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity has provided mobility training, Long Cane and Independent Living Skills training for blind and visually impaired people, enabling them to take control of their lives and work with greater independence.

The accomplishments of the Charity over the past 30 years is astounding and a testament to the volunteers who have contributed in no small way to the successes achieved. These include:

• 30 years of service to blind and visually impaired people
• Over 500 Guide dog partnerships have been trained
• Over 200 people have received Long Cane training
• The training has expanded to include mobility training for children from 2 years to 18 years of age
• The provision of access to computers and computer training
• Life skills training in a specially designed and customised kitchen.
• The National Training Centre was completely rebuilt in 2002 and I understand it is a model for other similar facilities around the world.

I also understand that you have no intention of stopping here. I believe that the charity, on foot of developments in other countries, launched a new pilot project last year to provide Assistance Dogs to families of children with Autism. This innovative project was so successful that it is now offered on a permanent basis and has the potential to improve the quality of life for both the parents and children with Autism.

In looking at the statistics, I was surprised to learn that each year over 1000 people in Ireland are told that their level of reduced sight cannot be improved and that more than 1,150 children are growing up in Ireland with a visual impairment.

Socially, the role played by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in ensuring that the visually impaired are empowered to participate and contribute to Irish society is truly commendable. I know that the success of the organisation is down to the time, determination and selfless commitment of the many volunteers associated with the charity including:

• the volunteers in the 100 branches fundraising nationwide,
• the volunteer families holding the breeding stock,
• the volunteer puppy walking families,
• the volunteers who organise and run the fundraising events, and
• the corporate supporters.

I would like to say that I am probably somewhat in the shadows when compared to the patron of your organisation Mr. Roy Keane, as I am not from Cork and unfortunately, my name is not synonymous with Man Utd or Celtic football clubs for that matter. I'd like to welcome Roy here today as I know he is a great supporter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and has hosted a number of fund-raising events in recent times.

In this year, when the charity is celebrating thirty years of achievements, I am proud to launch this new postage stamp issue to commemorate the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, its Board, staff and many volunteers. The stamp was selected following a major request for suggestions by An Post's Annual Special and Commemorative Stamp Programme.

I would like to congratulate An Post for their work in designing this unique stamp. For the first time ever, An Post has incorporated Braille embossing on a postage stamp. The Braille translation of the 48c denomination was provided by the National Council for the Blind, with whom An Post worked closely to ensure that the final design incorporated a number of features to facilitate the visually impaired. I also understand that the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind had an input into the development of this stamp.

• The design is reproduced in a clear, concise format using dark red on a yellow background, which clearly emphasises the contrast between the image and the background colour.
• The typeface used to denote Éire and 48c is not normally used in standard designs but was chosen specifically to facilitate easier reading by the visually impaired.
• The point size of the 48c has been increased.
• The text and the image have been clearly separated to avoid confusion by those with slow vision.

I would also like to thank the designer of the stamp, Mr. Steve Simpson.

In launching the Commemorative Stamp here today, I have to pay tribute to your Chairperson, Mr. Charlie Daly, who has been a volunteer and Board member for over 20 years. Mr. Daly came up with the idea for the Commemorative Stamp and campaigned strongly for its inclusion in this year's Commemorative Programme. Mr. Daly was strongly of the view that the stamp should be included to mark the work of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind over the past thirty years and to ensure that the Charity and its volunteers receive the national recognition they deserve.

Finally, I would again like to thank you for your invitation and I hope that this stamp goes some way to raising the profile of the charity and raising the awareness of the difference a Guide dog can make in people's lives.

ENDS