Advertisement

Taskforce on personalised budgets for people with disabilities established

The Minister of State for Disabilities has officially established a taskforce on personalised bud...
Newstalk
Newstalk

12.48 20 Sep 2016


Share this article


Taskforce on personalised budg...

Taskforce on personalised budgets for people with disabilities established

Newstalk
Newstalk

12.48 20 Sep 2016


Share this article


The Minister of State for Disabilities has officially established a taskforce on personalised budgets for people with disabilities.

Campaigners have argued that the current 'one size fits all' system means that many people with special needs lose out.

They have suggested that personalised budgets would give people more control and independence.

Advertisement

Earlier this year, Finian McGrath issued a public call for anyone with experience of disability - either directly or as a family member or carer - to express their interest in sitting on the new taskforce, which will make recommendations for a personalised budgets model.

Today he announced that 30 people have been appointed to an advisory & consultative group - one of the two elements of the new taskforce, along with a strategy group.

Speaking at the launch of the taskforce, Minister McGrath said: “Central to the Programme for Government is the commitment to empower people with disabilities to live independent lives and to have greater choice and control over the services and supports they need to make that goal a reality."

Speaking about the public application process, he said he was "frankly overwhelmed with the response, which was testament to the desire among people with disabilities and their families to be active participants in this important process”.

He added that applicants who were not included in the advisory group will be invited to join a reference group, which will be consulted during deliberations. 

Christy Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of KARE, has previously been announced as the chair of the task force.

 


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular