Equality groups walk out on PPF

Anti-poverty and equality organisations have walked out of a plenary session on the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

The 26 groups said the move was a protest against the Government continually ignoring marginalised people by failing to uphold the principle of equality.

The organisations said they do not oppose social partnership, but they hinted that they could withdraw from the process if the Government refuses to take it seriously.

Donal Toolan, a spokesman for the Forum for People With Disabilities, said partnership can only survive if politicians listen to and understand disabled people, travellers and other marginalised groups.