Budget 2026: 'I just want the Government to do better for people with disabilities'

People with intellectual disabilities feel they are very low on the Government's list of priorities

Lydia Fisher: 'Disability allowance is too low. Some people can't work full-time or at all, and it's not their fault.' Picture: Karl Hussey Photography

My name is Lydia Fisher, and I’m a person with an intellectual disability. Disabled people want to live our lives as independently as possible. That means having our own homes, being able to work, and having enough support to live the life we choose. However, right now in Ireland, the Government is failing people with disabilities.

Disability allowance is too low. It’s very hard to live on it. A lot of people with disabilities are poor. Some people can’t work full-time or at all, and it’s not their fault. People are finding it hard to pay for food, heating, or rent. Some people are even choosing between buying food or keeping the lights on. That’s not right.