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THE staff and organisers of the Deenagh Lodge Tea Rooms in Killarney have been commended for their great work by Ireland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada.
She visited the facility, which provide training and employment for young people with Down Syndrome, while in Killarney for constituency work.
The Sinn Fein politician said the project should act as model for special needs work and communities across the country.
“I was delighted to visit the Deenagh Lodge Tea Rooms in the beautiful surrounds of Killarney National Park and I was particularly honoured to be able to present the inaugural Employee of the Week award to Anthony Jones, she said.
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“The tea room staff are absolutely wonderful., friendly and helpful and witty and a perfect example of how young people with Down Syndrome can and do play full, vital and vibrant roles in our community,: the MEP stated.
She noted that the training they receive there not only helps them with working in the tea room but also provides them with a huge advantage when seeking employment elsewhere or going on to further education.
“Deenagh Lodge is a model for how this type of inclusive, respectful, integrative and holistic work can and should be done around the country. I cannot commend the people behind it and of course the staff, enough, Ms Ní Riada said.
“They are currently fundraising to help finance a number of projects they are working on and I would encourage everyone to pop in, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, meet the wonderful staff and of course, have a damn fine cup of tea or coffee.”
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