Focus Group with TCD YFG

Monday, November 17th

Hello again! 

Following a fantastic launch to the campaign in UCD, Presentation Number Two took place in my home branch – Trinity YFG, and very appropriately during our Equality and Diversity Week!

Trinity College Dublin

So all was set for a great debate: laptop charged, cue cards in order, nice large group in attendance, Theo did the chair’s address and then…. Ready… steady… : projector decides to reject my lovely laptop with an “unidentified device” notice, and nothing can change it’s mind – not even David Higgins, TCD-YFG’s star child achiever but more importantly the computer dude with  Big Bang Theory levels of computer expertise. 

So, the presentation went ahead without visual supports, but that certainly didn't deter members’ deep engagement with the motions and the high level debate that ensued. Once again, almost everyone had something to contribute, and the support was overwhelming.

In conclusion: Trinity-YFG voted unanimously in favour of the following motions:

• Trinity Young Fine Gael support abolition of The Ward of Court system and introduction of a functional approach to capacity
• Paternalism v Autonomy: Trinity Young Fine Gael support a “will and preferences “ approach to people with disabilities, rather than “best interests” , as outlined in The Capacity Bill (2013).  

It was great to hear the views of my fellow branch members. Also, important to mention is the level of crucial support received from fellow committee members  in particular– Emma Purser PRO who never fails to tweet and retweet about the campaign, and has accompanied me to numerous presentation nights in UCD and DCU, while Theo Donnelly – chairman, has facilitated the evening’s presentation and been provided some key advice and support. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the debate. 

See you next time. 

Best Wishes, 

Rachel :)