Deaf group forced to rely on donations

A leading Irish deaf group has warned Government cutbacks mean it must rely on charitable donations and the bequeathed wills of supporters in order to keep its services running.

Irish Deaf Society chairman Kevin Mulqueen made the claim after a ceremony awarding the achievements of people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner through a sign language interpreter, Mr Mulqueen said the sector has been hit hard by funding cuts from the Department of Education and HSE during the recession.