The Gibraltar Disability Society has applied and been granted legal expenses funding to appoint a legal representative so that it may have its own voice during the Dr Giraldi public inquiry. The Society felt this was necessary in order to have the ability to make legal representations on points or issues raised during the proceedings should it consider that doing so would be in the best interests of its individual members and that of the wider disabled community. The Society will be represented by Anne Balestrino of Phillips Barristers and Solicitors.
The Gibraltar Disability Society requested at today’s hearing anonymity for service users/residents. We have been informed that the inquiry would try their very best to avoid any names of residents appearing. Residents is the term the Chairman has requested is used rather than service users which includes persons using the facilities for respite or temporary living. He requested the press to do likewise and transcribers to use initials rather than names. We shall ask that when the hearing starts this be extended to anyone in the public gallery for reporting/mentioning of purposes during proceedings.
The Society also requested that the word “inappropriate” was stuck off before the word “punishment” in the “List of Issues” so therefore the inquiry will now investigate any punishment.
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