Budget cuts must start with the higher paid, not the most vulnerable, so the Government must ringfence funding for disability and community services.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish who is calling on the Government to ensure voluntary and disability groups are not threatened with further cuts to their funding in the forthcoming Budget.
According to Dep Grealish, ‘The Brothers of Charity has already incurred an 18 per cent cut in its budget over the last four years, impacting on frontline services for the 1,000 children and adults under the Brothers’ care.
“Management at the charity are very concerned about speculation that its budget is to be cut by another €3.5 million,” he said. “Coupled with a deficit in 2012 of €700,000, will have a severe and devastating impact on people with disabilities and their families, many of whom are already struggling to cope.”
Dep Grealish is calling on all Galway Oireachtas members to support the ringfencing of funding for disability services and ensure “there are no more cuts in this area”. The Carnmore TD has also contacted Finance Minister Michael Noonan on this issue.
“People who avail of the services of the Brothers of Charity are among the most vulnerable in our community and they must be protected,” said Dep Grealish. “We need to lead by example and ensure that cuts start with the higher paid and not on those who rely on State support
