New disability funding welcome but not enough – Ellis
Sinn Féin spokesperson on transport and housing, Dessie Ellis TD, today responded to the announcement by Labour Minister of State for housing and planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD, that 10 million will be provided in capital funding, which, although providing people with homes in their communities, is not enough in light of austerity cuts to date.
Deputy Ellis said:
“This funding, which will result in up to 90 extra units for those with
disabilities, is welcome, but comes in the context of a year when 19 million,
or 40%, has been cut from the Adaptation Grant budget for making housing
suitable for people with disabilities or special needs.
“I am constantly dealing with people seeking housing suitable to their special
needs. Housing need is at an all-time high, but it has also never been so
severe. People with disabilities have been hurt badly by austerity, with cuts
to care, health services and transport mobility grants. They are the most
vulnerable, and those most vulnerable amongst them still have no suitable
housing.
"Deputy Sean Crowe and I raised these cuts just yesterday in the Dáil with
Minister O’Sullivan. Last week I contacted the Minister on behalf of a
paralysed mother of two who had been living in Beaumont Hospital for 21 months,
because no home could be found for her. She has since been housed, but not
everyone has the same strength to fight their corner."
“This is not a matter of budgeting; it is a matter of supporting peoples’
rights or denying them.”