Possible loss of 6% in Disability and Mental Health Budgets in '09

Today DFI wrote to all Oireachtas members stating that there is likely to be a loss of up to 6% in disability and mental health spending in the coming year. They reminded members that disabled people are amongst the most vulnerable people in Ireland, both in terms of their experience of, and exposure to, and a lack of basic services.

John Dolan, CEO Officer DFI, stated that

“From a position of stated Government priority for concerted action going back a number of years, it now looks as if disability and mental health is being sidelined”.

He went on to call for the removal of the 1% cuts initiated this year, the removal of the 1% cut outlined in the Budget, and the reassignment of the €70 million that the HSE has already redirected from disability and mental health back to those areas.

He concluded by stating that

“Government needs to clearly set out the level of funding that will be available next year and to confirm that cuts and claw-backs will be redressed”.

For further information please contact

John Dolan (CEO ) or Allen Dunne (Deputy CEO)

086 8370072 086 8502112