Taoiseach in denial on disability cuts

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen is in denial on the reality of cuts to services for disabled people and carers Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said as families and campaign groups protested in Dublin, Galway and Mayo against cuts in disability services.

“Both yesterday and today in the Dáil, the Taoiseach has been in denial on the reality of the impact of cuts to services for disabled people and their carers and families. He has claimed that ‘no decision’ was made to impose the cuts. But these cuts are a reality. Respite and day care has been cut. Staff providing front-line care have been cut. Disabled people, carers, families have been affected.

“The Taoiseach has spoken of a need to reorganise services. What is the nature of the reorganisation the Taoiseach is talking about? Where are the plans and proposals? What guarantees have disabled people and their families that services will be restored?

“We are told meetings are now to take place between ministers and service providers. These meetings would not be taking place at all but for the protests by disabled people and their carers. Clearly the Government was prepared to hide behind the HSE while the HSE wielded the axe. They have had to be flushed out by public protest.

“The Taoiseach and the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government must listen to the voice of people protesting today and reverse these savage cutbacks.”