October 2008

DON’T LIMIT GUARANTEE TO THE BANKS – GUARANTEE US TOO!

Inclusion Ireland today called for a guarantee for funding for services for people with an intellectual disability. CEO Deirdre Carroll said at a minimum, funding for people with an intellectual must continue at present levels.

 

Ms. Carroll was speaking at a pre-Budget press conference at which Brian O’Donnell, CEO, the Federation of Voluntary Bodies; Séamus Greene, Director, the National Parents and Siblings Alliance;Marc De Salvo, Chairperson, Irish Autism Action; and John Lindsay, CEO, Down Syndrome Ireland, all spoke.

 

Two mothers of children with an intellectual disability and autism, Anne Balfe and Aoife Thornton, also spoke at the launch.

                 

All present called on the Government to not cut funding to the disability sector and to honour previous commitments to people with an intellectual disability.

 

Ms. Carroll said:

“In 2008 the €50 million earmarked for funding new developments under the multi-annual investment plan 2007-2009 was delayed, and only after a sustained campaign by families was the money released. €17 million was later taken out of the promised €50 million.

 

“Significant investment has gone into disability services in the last five years with the Government’s Disability Strategy. Inclusion Ireland calls upon the Government in this Budget to confirm their commitment to their own strategy by not cutting funding of this most vulnerable of group in Irish society.”

 

ENDS

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