Disability Federation concerned that Political Impasse is Impacting on People with Disabilities

April 11 2016

press_release

Statement from Disability Federation of Ireland, 10th April 2016

The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is deeply concerned that the present remarkable delay in forming a Government is impacting negatively on the 600,OOO people who are affected by disability. In the ongoing shadow boxing that has been witnessed in the past weeks, many people with disabilities feel the vast majority of our politicians have largely forgotten about them.

John Dolan, Chief Executive of DFI said today, “Over the years we have called for the inclusion of a Cabinet Minister for Disability Inclusion. We have been largely ignored on this issue – and now we find that over the current political impasse the disability movement has been left waiting on the side line. This is simply not acceptable”

John Dolan continued ‘As part of our pre-election campaign, we called for a full-time cabinet minister for disability inclusion, an Oireachtas committee on disability inclusion, a just and fair income for people with disabilities and the immediate reinstatement of €136 million to the health services, which was lost due to totally unjustifiable cutbacks. While our politicians are shadow boxing instead of forming a government – none of these important issues are being addressed."

Dolan went on to say, “Over 600,000 Irish people are living with a disability in this country – over 13 per cent of the population - and they are now deeply concerned about this present delay in attending to the many issues which were highlighted by the movement prior to and during the election campaign. We have suffered deep cuts to means tested incomes and to vital services and Oireachtas commitment is urgently needed to redress these vital matters."

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For contact: John Dolan, CEO, Disability Federation of Ireland - 086 7957467