Reversal of Cuts to Personal Assistance and Home Help Services

Published: Monday, September 03, 2012

The National Women's Council of Ireland has added its voice to the call for a reversal of cuts to Personal Assistance and Home Care Services.

"We are appalled at this decision which flies in the face of Government commitments to protect the most socially excluded in this economic crisis. This latest proposed cut of €10m is in addition to a €1.7million reduction to the funding of Home Care Packages and will have a severe impact on the quality of life of people with disabilities and older people, directly affecting their right to choice and their ability to live independently" said Rachel Doyle Head of Outreach at the NWCI.

"There can be no excuse for this draconian measure. During this time of huge Irish and global celebration of the contribution of people with disabilities at the Paralympic games, our Government is making the lives of the very people we are celebrating far, far harder," added
Ms Doyle.

"This is a human rights issue for people with disability and older people. It is also an issue about the value which Government places on care work. This move directly affects women who, as we know, do the vast majority of care work (paid and unpaid) in this country", she said.

Ends

For further information contact:

Rachel Doyle
Head of Outreach
NWCI

087 - 2998619