St. Michael's House acknowledges the announcement on Monday of an additional €10 million nationally for disability services by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD.
We are bitterly disappointed at this national allocation as this funding falls significantly short of what is required for the men, women and children who are supported by organisations around the country.
Disability services are essential services, and as such must be funded appropriately. We await an indication as to the proportion of the €10 million funding allocation to St Michaels House.
Disability services should be a priority for government, and a rights based approach needs to underpin all allocation and policy. People with Intellectual Disabilities have the right to return to services in a safe, funded and expedited manner, and this needs to be prioritised.
St Michael’s House will be writing to 1,900 service users and 3,000 families in relation to this allocation and to highlight this issue to ensure political focus in advance of the budget.
Our CEO, Liz Reynolds is a active Board member with the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies Providing Services to People with Intellectual Disability representing 59 Organisations nationwide. The Federation are compiling a national media campaign, and meeting with Ministers, TD's and HSE and Department of Health officials.