Oireachtas Disability Group launch their Pre-Budget Submission for 2024 as they meet TDs and Senators in Leinster House

Members of the Oireachtas Disability Group, ODG, including DFI, met with elected representatives from across all political parties and groupings on 14 June. The ODG were in Leinster House to discuss its Budget priorities including the cost of disability and ensuring appropriate housing and supports for disabled people.

The ODG called for Government to:

• Provide ongoing cost of disability funding in Budget 2024 to address the inequality identified in the Cost of Disability report.
• Invest significantly in housing and the required supports, as outlined in the Disability Capacity Review and the Housing Strategy for Disabled People. Any additional funding should be allocated to options that are human rights compliant and support people to have choice and control over their lives as per Article 19 of the UN CRPD.
• To enable access to housing, amend Part M of the Building regulation to include UD++ Wheelchair liveable accommodation.

The ODG highlighted the importance of a clear and accessible Budget announcement. Last year’s Budget Day announcements were not understandable for disabled people, their families and services. Disabled people had to wait until April 2023 to learn the full budget allocation through the HSE Service Plan 2023.

The ODG also raised the need to progress urgent recruitment and retention measures for disability and mental health services, including addressing urgent Section 39 Pay Parity issues which are threatening the sustainability of disability support services.

DFI was delighted to contribute to the preparation of the ODG pre-budget submission, which you can read here. 

The six organisations (DFI, NDSA, ILMI, Mental Health Reform, FedVol and Inclusion Ireland) form the ODG. 

ENDS