INCLUSION IRELAND URGES IRISH GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT CLOSURE OF BULGARIAN SOCIAL CARE HOMES

Inclusion Ireland CEO Deirdre Carroll has urged the Irish Government to press the Bulgarian Government, as a fellow EU Member State, for the closure of Bulgarian state homes which accommodate children and adults with an intellectual disability, and to ensure for the development of appropriate alternative services. “Conditions in these state homes are atrocious and it is vitally important that the Irish Government lobbies the Bulgarian Government for immediate changes”.

Inclusion Ireland has been heavily involved in promoting change in these state homes for many years. Inclusion Ireland provides annual financial support to the Adam’s Fund, which supports a number of projects in Bulgaria, through donations from Inclusion Ireland members. Although Inclusion Ireland does not fundraise as an organisation, it annually asks its members to provide support for the Fund, to help in its very important work. Mr. John O’Gorman, who is a driving force behind the Fund, is a former Chairperson of Inclusion Ireland (formerly namhi). The Bulgarian Parent’s Association has directly benefited through donations from Inclusion Ireland’s members. The funding has also helped in the provision of a vital day service. A number Inclusion Ireland member groups have also been involved in individual projects to help people in Bulgarian social care homes.

Deirdre Carroll says “We will continue to provide funding, but political will to promote change is also necessary”.

ENDS

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