South Dublin County Council is working to eliminate disadvantage and improve the quality of life for all residents in the county particularly for disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and other relevant target groups. The unit aims to advance its objectives through collaborative work with the statutory and voluntary agencies, community groups and the South Dublin County Development Board. The Social Inclusion Officer is Maria Finn.

The objectives of the Unit include the following:

• Promoting an awareness of the social inclusion perspective, through training programmes, presentations and the provision of information.

• To raise awareness and enhance understanding of some of the key issues around poverty and inequality in our society amongst the schools in South Dublin.

• Promote and further develop South Dublin County Social Inclusion Awareness Week

• Promoting technology amongst our new communities and people with disabilities

• Support the Local Authority to deliver the best possible inclusive service to all customers in South Dublin County

• Support the Social Inclusion Measures Sub-Group of County Development Board on the delivery of key actions

• Continue to implement equality legislation through equality promotion policies

• Participate in and enhance the South Dublin County Social Inclusion Network

• Identifying new and innovative opportunities for tackling social exclusion having regard to the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.

• Working in co- operation with Comhairle na nÓg to promote inclusiveness, and encourage young people to have a say in the future of their county.

• Use relevant up to date data to develop a poverty profile of the county

• Organising events around the theme of social inclusion.