Irish Government makes U-turn on its decision to halt disability allowance to 16 and 17 year olds
(31/10/2008) As part of the Budget 2009 the Irish Government made several cost cutting measures in an attempt to curb government spending in the face of a global financial crisis. The decision to halt allowances worth €800 monthly to disabled teenagers until they reached the age of 18 was met by severe criticisms by the disabled community.
The minister for Family and Social Affairs Mary Hanafin however defended the decision stating that the government felt that making payments to disabled teenagers from the age of 16 was a possible deterrent for them entering the labour force or continuing their education.
Pensioners and students were also enraged at the government’s plans to cut spending on medical insurance and education. Government opposition lashed out at the budget, saying it targeted the most vulnerable in society. However within two weeks of the proposed cutbacks and in light of mass demonstrations on the streets of the capital, the government has reversed their decisions regarding pensioners’ medical rights and the allowance to disabled teenager from the age of 16.
The news of the governments decision to continue with the current system regarding disability payments to teenagers was met with relief last night by disabled youths and their families as well as by disability organizations. John Dolan of the Disability Federation of Ireland said on national news that this was a sign that the government was committed to keeping support for disabled groups a priority during its term in office.
Author: pmcc-MyH, 31/10/2008
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