Other News In Brief

Department Of Health Welcomes World Down Syndrome Day

The Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath TD, has marked World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday 21 March.

World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been celebrated all over the world since 2006.

In welcoming the celebration, the Minister said the aim is to further create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down Syndrome. He said: "Today there are celebrations in over 100 countries all over the world with an annual conference in the UN in both New York and Geneva in conjunction with the Human Rights Council. The message this year is 'Leave No One Behind.'"

As part of the celebrations, the Minister is attending two events today. He gave the welcome address at a conference organised by the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability this morning, addressing dementia in people with Down Syndrome, while later today he will launch a new booklet by Down Syndrome Ireland, titled 'More than Medical'.

The Minister added: "I hope today will raise awareness of Down Syndrome among the general public, of what it means to have Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome can and do play a vital role in our lives and our communities."

26-Year-Old HPV Vaccine Campaigner Dies

Laura Brennan, a prominent HPV vaccine campaigner in Ireland, has passed away at the age of 26.

Laura had cervical cancer and died at University Hospital Limerick.

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald expressed her condolences and paid tribute to Laura's legacy.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death today from cervical cancer of Laura Brennan," Ms McDonald commented. "I extend my condolences to her family at this most difficult of times.

"It is a tragedy that her young life was cut so short by cervical cancer. We remember her for her tireless efforts in advocating for the use of the HPV vaccine. Her message was to the point, the HPV vaccine saves lives.

"Laura has left behind a powerful and enduring legacy, with a major increase in the uptake of the vaccine since she began her campaigning, and the lives that has helped to save."

Five Injured In Carlow Road Collision

Five people have been injured in a road crash in County Carlow.

The single-vehicle collision happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday 19 March in Ballinabranagh.

All occupants of the car, a man in his 20s and four teenage girls, have been taken to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny.

The road was closed for some time while a forensic examination was carried out.



(JG/CM)