Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disability and Carers, Pauline Tully, says a Sinn Féin government would build a better Ireland for disabled children and adults, and that the party has the plans to deliver it.
Speaking at the launch of the party’s proposals on disabled people, Pauline Tully said:
“Sinn Féin’s aim is to build an Ireland that is very different for disabled children and adults, and we have the plans to deliver it.
“A Sinn Féin government will make the investments necessary to ensure children have their needs assessed and therapies provided; a school to go to on 1st September like any other child, and a summer programme to attend in the holidays.
“In government, Sinn Féin will ensure that disabled young people are supported to pursue their goals and dreams in further and higher education and employment.
“We will also support disabled adults with disabilities to live independent lives.”
Over a single government term, Sinn Féin intends increasing annual current funding by €829m and would provide €659m of additional capital beyond what has been pre-committed for existing levels of service and supports.
Tully said:
“Sinn Féin will increase the availability of appropriate residential places, support independent living, and prioritise the transfer of disabled younger people who have been inappropriately placed in nursing homes.
“We will expand the number of adult day service places by 4,000; double investment in respite services; and deliver an additional 296,000 home care hours per annum.
“Over a government term, we will expand disability-supportive home care hours by 40% on 2023 levels.
“We will further support care in the home by expanding the provision of intensive home support packages.
“Our proposals include developing a comprehensive workforce plan to fully staff Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs).
“This would involve streamlining the recruitment process, doubling the number of undergraduate training places, and providing a job guarantee to health and social care graduates.
“In government, Sinn Féin will double Personal Assistance Services (PAS) hours over a term of government, increasing annually the number of PA hours by 354,000 hours.
“We will deliver a capital programme to make all bus stations, train station platforms, and bus stops wheelchair accessible.
“We will introduce tiered grant-based supports for the purchase, adaptation and operation of private cars and allowances for the use of taxis.
“We will create a Disability Inclusion Fund for all local authorities to support their specific disability inclusion requirements in line with the UNCRPD and Public Sector Duty.
“Sinn Féin will also implement the Autism Innovation Strategy and develop further policies that support neurodiversity.
“Sinn Féin is committed to transforming the landscape for disabled individuals in Ireland by prioritising the necessary investment in services and supports.
“Our proposals encompass comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing accessibility in public spaces, ensuring that crucial healthcare and social services are readily available, and which seek to empower individuals and their families.
“It is our belief that inclusive planning and investment are essential to breaking down barriers and fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully.
“Together, we can build a more equitable Ireland that recognises and values the contributions of disabled individuals.
“Our commitment to reforming and investing in the services and supports required ensures that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.
“Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for a society that embraces diversity and champions the rights of all citizens.”
Sinn Féin’s Delivering for People with Disabilities proposals can be read here
