Disability cuts ‘petty’ and ‘regressive’

FIANNA Fáil Deputy John Brassil has promised that his party will reserve disability cuts backs if elected.

Last week The Kerryman revealed that Kerry Parents and Friends are facing a €60,000 short-fall following a 0.7% cutback announced in funding just as the election was called.

St Mary of the Angels are also affected by this cut-back to the tune of €160,000.

CEO Marie Linehan of Kerry Parents and Friends was adamant that this saving must be found some-where amongst their vital services.

It is understood that the most likely cut will be in respite services amid fears that a badly needed respite house in Kilmorna Listowel could fall prey to the funding cut-back.

The shocking cuts to disability services have been criticised by candidates including Deputy John Brassil who slammed the cuts calling them ‘petty’ and ‘small-minded’.

“I have been speaking with the families who will be impacted by these cuts and they are furious. They are already running vital services on a shoestring and these cuts are simply not fair.,” he said.

Fianna Fáil have given a commitment to reverse these cuts and to properly fund disability services in Kerry adding a further 20 million Euro to the national budget.

Meanwhile Sinn Féin Candidate Pa Daly also criticised the cuts and promised his party would protect the most vulnerable in society.

This cut is completely unacceptable. This unnecessary and regressive cut flies in the face of the government narrative that with them, we have a future to look forward to,” he said.

Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil