Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter September 2008

We are operating in a challenging environment. Almost every day these challenges become more explicit - reports of job losses, speculation on the intensity and focus of public spending cut backs and all this on top of our experience over the past year with the HSE cut backs. There is no doubt that these challenges will continue to be felt as we try to keep up the current level of services when we know that there are huge areas of unmet needs that are simply preventing people and families from living a decent and dignified life.

At the same time we must be clear that these challenges in no way mirror our experience of the 1980s. We must keep the expectation that disability requires further sustained investment. We have got to work every day with that expectation so that we do not give out the message that cutbacks are inevitable. They are not inevitable as it is a matter for Government to prioritise its substantial resources.

In June of last year the Government stated that it was “determined to continue to prioritise the interests of people with disability over the next five years” (Programme for Government). We must not let them slip easily back from that position. The National Disability Strategy (NDS) is also embedded in the social partnership agreement and within the National Development Plan. Just as the economic situation is way different now from the 80”s so too is the political position of disability.

Government”s commitment to the NDS means that we are strategically well positioned. However, this alone will not ensure success. We must understand and ensure that the vision of an Ireland where people with disabilities have ready access to appropriate public and social services is delivered. We also need to progress with internal reform and readjustment within our organisations and at sector level as well as with our public service colleagues.

It is important for us all to give leadership and to instil confidence at this time. Too many people are depending on us for continual delivery of services and to enhance and develop new services. DFI will continue to press Government to ensure that disability remains a priority for them and we will vigorously resist any deceleration of that priority. Likewise we will continue to work with our member organisations to ensure that we all work in the most effective and efficient manner alongside our statutory colleagues to optimise outcomes for people with disabilities.

We are aware that all organisations whilst under pressure to maintain the existing level of services, must also at the same time secure much needed resources for new and enhanced services. These increased pressures are being exerted as we readjust how we do our business in a mainstreaming environment. Issues around governance, management, partnerships and collaboration need to be strongly advanced by us all.

John Dolan
CEO