Funding cuts close disability aid groups

Twenty-six voluntary bodies in the health and disability sector are in jeopardy in a debacle over funding.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been asked to intervene to save the voluntary organisations after it emerged funding was halted by former environment minister Phil Hogan without consulting his colleague with responsibility in the area.

The junior health minister with responsibility for disability and mental health, Kathleen Lynch, said she will raise the matter with new Environment Minister Alan Kelly, but she could not promise anything.

“I was not involved in the decision on funding,” she said when asked by Independent TD Catherine Murphy if she was consulted on the cuts which will result in the Irish Deaf Society having to shut its doors.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland will also have to close.