From the brave to the forgotten

CRIPPLING budget cuts to the HSE-funded voluntary bodies which cater for people with intellectual disabilities has dominated the headlines this week.

Cuts and proposed cuts to the budgets of the Brothers of Charity and the Daughters of Charity have been the most prominent cases, with both organisations speaking out loudly against threatened services and the closure of respite centres.

The issue of respite care has been proven to be an emotive one as it is a lifeline for families who, on a full time basis, care for seriously disabled children and adults.