Plight of the disabled – Government should offer an allowance

FOR the umpteenth time, the plight of disabled people has been put squarely on the political agenda following yesterday’s call by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) for the parties to pin their colours to the mast where this vexed issue is concerned.

From the cradle to the grave, the life of a disabled person in this country can be difficult in the extreme. At the best of times, it is barely tolerable.

In response, Fine Gael promised to appoint a Minister for Disability.

Effectively, this would include responsibility for drawing together the strands of Government as they impact on disabled people. Arguably, the job would span the spectrum of public services.

Whatever its colours, the next Government should respond positively to DFI calls for a realistic cost of living allowance to make life a bit easier for the disabled.