Budget 2024
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Budget 2024 will be launched by the Minister for Finance in the Dáil on October 11th. Like many charities and advocacy groups around the country, Down Syndrome Ireland has made a submission to government on the measures we would like to see included in this year’s budget.
Our submissions were based, primarily, on the experiences and feedback of our members. We took our lead from the motions passed at last year’s Annual General Meeting – many of which have not been adequately addressed by government.
Our submissions also seek to build on the successes of our programmes, consolidating those successes and requesting further support to deepen their impact.
OUR KEY ASKS TO GOVERNMENT
Address the crisis in service provision, by funding:
- Branch-level Speech & Language Therapy positions
- SLT co-ordination at National Office
- Fund DSI New Parent Liaison and Early Intervention Specialist
- Reimburse our members for the cost of accessing services privately
Recognise and respect the autonomy of people with Down syndrome, by investing in:
- Personalised budgets and more flexibility in HSE-allocated funding
- An increase in Disability Allowance, and an increase in Carers’ Allowance
- Better access to public transport, independent travel and dedicated parking permits
- An end to means-testing of Carers’ Allowance and Disability Allowance
