Latest News / Media

Press Statement from Senator John Dolan, Response to Budget 2018, 10 October 2018

Disability sidelined: different and prudent choices could have been made to turn around the experience of exclusion and poverty for 643,000 people with disabilities and their families.

Responding to the Budget Statement Senator John Dolan said “People with disabilities and their families, around the country will be bitterly disappointed with this budget statement by Minister Donohue. Despite promises from An Taoiseach on his appointment, the disability community have again been sidelined. People with disabilities should not be sidelined at a time when so many issues currently impacting directly on them need to be addressed in order for the government to progress implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

Call for safeguarding legislation to protect vulnerable adults

“Granny dumping” in nursing homes, pilfering from pensions, and lack of clear obligation on the State to protect vulnerable adults are among the reasons adult safeguarding legislation was needed, an Oireachtas committee heard.

Civil Engagement Group call for equality, transparency and sustainability in Budget 2018.

The Civil Engagement Group in the Seanad is calling on the Government to deliver equality, transparency and sustainable development in Budget 2018. The group have highlighted five principles which they say should underpin the budgetary decision-making.

1. Budget 2018 must deliver joined-up thinking for sustainable development.
2. Budget 2018 must prioritise investment in public services and social infrastructure
3. Budget 2018 must address social, economic and gender inequality
4. Budget 2018 must be clear and transparent around taxation
5. Budget 2018 must meet international standards and commitments.