Government is failing to ‘future proof’ services for disabled people

There should be no consideration given to tax cuts until any extra cash is used to restore services for people with disabilities who are losing even the most basic of supports, the Government has been warned.

The Disability Federation of Ireland said the Coalition had lost all ambition to implement its own promised policies to help improve services.

It is asking election candidates to sign a pledge to ensure they will consider the rights of people with disabilities who say they have been subject to consistent cuts to their services and supports since 2008.

A group of people with disabilities launched a poster campaign outside the Dáil yesterday urging candidates to “leave nobody behind”.

John Dolan, CEO of the organisation, said that theGovernment is not “future proofing” services and supports for the 600,000 people with disabilities who are living longer.

“It has become clear that our public and social services have failed to protect the life chances of people with disabilities,” he said.

“There no longer exists a functional infrastructure of social supports in this State that is available when people with disabilities and their families need it. By the end of next year, we will no longer have the basic elements to support people with disabilities,” he added.

Mr Dolan said that with all the talk of economic recovery, it’s important that those most in need are not left behind.

“We are now hearing repeated calls for pay rises and for tax reductions from the business and trade union movements, and the case being made is that the extra money circulating will help the economic recovery,” he said. “There must be no further consideration of these approaches until Ireland has a credible and functioning infrastructure to support people with disabilities, mental health needs, chronic illnesses and their families.”

Ireland cannot be truly considered to be in recovery if it “deliberately overlooks” those people who rely on the State for support, infrastructure and services needed to protect their life chances.

He said candidates need to be asked: “Are we content to deliberately leave people and families behind?”