18/07/2014

Fianna Fáil Welcome Possible Funding Cuts Review

News that the government is considering reviewing its decision to cut funding for 26 disability organisations has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin.

It follows an RTÉ report which suggested that Minister Alan kelly has "bowed to pressure" and is expected to announce a review of funding cuts.

Welcoming the news, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: "Twice this week I challenged the Taoiseach directly on this appalling decision. On each occasion the Government sought to downplay the significance of the funding cuts and said there was an appeal process that could be used.

"This is no good for organisations like the Irish Deaf Society which has to immediately close its Deaf Forward Advocacy Service. These groups don’t have the time or resources to go through a lengthy appeals process In fact, the appeals process is not transparent and only states whether an appeal is valid or not without giving further detail.

"I welcome the fact that the Minister for the Environment now appears to have bowed to pressure from Fianna Fáil and ordered a review of the scheme.  I am calling for an immediate statement from the Minister outlining the process that will be involved and what kind of review is taking place in order to give the groups affected some clarity.

"I am also calling on the Minister to fully restore the funding for these organisations while the review is taking place."

(MH/IT)

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