People with spina bifida 'struggling to feed themselves'

People with spina bifida in Ireland are struggling to feed and take care of themselves, a campaigner has warned today.

Thelma Cloake of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland was one of a number of people who came to the European Parliament this week to highlight what it says are the lack of services and facilities available in Ireland for people with spina bifida who are ageing.

Ireland has a higher number of people with spina bifida compared with the rest of Europe and it is unclear as why that is the case.

Today is World Spina Bifida Day and Ms Cloake said that some people with the condition are suffering even more because of the economic crisis and cutbacks.

"Certainly with carers' allowance and personal assistance, people are under a lot of pressure," she said.

"We have a lot of our members who are trying to live on their own, they are finding it extremely difficult."

"It has knock-on effect. There is depression, loneliness, and there's literally not being able to feed yourself, because their allowances are being cut, they're paying more rent, and jobs are very difficult to come by."