Charity groups warn over social services

A group of seven charity networks and federations are warning that public and social services are beyond sustainable.

The organisations which include Older and Bolder, the Carers Association and the Disability Federation of Ireland are calling for the sectors to be ring-fenced from further budget cuts.

The groups want the Government to draw up a plan to ensure the viability of public and social services is maintained.

Ivan Cooper is Director of Advocacy at The Wheel which represents community, voluntary and charitable organisations.

Mr Cooper said: "Since the start of the crisis in 2008, budgets for many services have been cut by 20%, with real hardship now being experienced by people who depend on our public and social services.

"Without a plan for sustainable public services, we risk doing severe damage to Ireland's social fabric by the time the recession ends."