USI Equality is pleased to see that the government have decided to put a stop on the proposed cuts to a young persons disability allowance for the time being.
Disability allowance is a payment which is essential to for young people with disabilities. This payment has allowed may students to progress on to higher education. In some cases in represents their only source of income.
We recognize that reform of the system in its current format is needed.
We welcome the establishment of a review group and acknowledge that reform of the current system is needed.
We must highlight the importance of consulting with young people with disabilities as part of this review process.
For this reason over the last few weeks we have asked our members to send the email below to their local TDs.
A Chara,
I am writing as your constituent to express my grave concern over the Governments proposed cuts to Disability Allowance of young people in Budget 2012.
Firstly I would like to acknowledge that the Government has agreed to pause current proposed cuts.
Many students with disabilities rely on Disability Allowance as their sole source of income. Proposed cuts to this essential allowance would reduce a person with disabilities monthly income by €523.07. This is simply unacceptable.
Cutting the Disability Allowance shows no awareness by Government of the additional costs associated with disability.
Fine Gael and Labour both made a commitment to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Do young people with disabilities not count?
I am calling on you as my elected representative to ensure that all these cuts are reversed.
I also call on you to ensure that young people with disabilities are included as part of the review group which will now take place in relation to Disability Allowance. This will ensure that their voice is heard.
Is mise le meas
