People with Disabilities in Ireland
4th Floor Jervis House
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 21 74 4
Fax: 01 87 21 77 1
Email: info@pwdi.ie
People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI), the national organisation representing all people with disabilities in Ireland, today said that the news that the Western Health Board is threatening to introduce waiting lists for walking or bathing aids for people with disabilities, because of financial constraints, "is merely a symptom of a much deeper malaise."
Mr Michael Ringrose Chief Executive of PwDI said this afternoon: "People with disabilities in this country are all too familiar with the circuit where they go from one State organisation to another attempting to have their needs fulfilled, but rarely if ever achieving satisfaction.
"The long awaited Disability Bill, with its promised comprehensive assessment of need, will only improve the lives of people with disabilities if it is properly funded. Our greatest fear is that we may get the comprehensive assessment of need but not the finance to make it a reality. That would equate to a diagnosis without treatment," he said.
Mr Ringrose called on the new Minister for Finance to ensure that proper provision is made for disability in the December budget: "There must be a clear structure with adequate funding specifically targeted for disability, " he said.
Further information:
Michael Ringrose 087-2804590
Mairéad Foley 086-2556764
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