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Poll: Should disability services be exempt from HSE budget cuts?

The HSE has committed to reducing costs nationally – but should disability services be exempt from cuts?

RECENT WEEKS HAVE seen two disability services organisations being told that they will have their budgets cut by the HSE.

Today, it emerged that the HSE is to cut €189,461 from Sunbeam House’s budget. This will result in the withdrawal of transport services for clients.

Meanwhile, St Michael’s House, another disability services organisation, will see €1 million cut from its budget by the HSE.

Under the Haddington Road agreement, the HSE has committed to reducing costs nationally.

Today, we ask: Should disability services be exempt from HSE cuts?


Poll Results:

Yes (1464)
No (1456)
I'm not sure (485)

Read: HSE cuts €189,461 from Sunbeam House’s budget>

Read: HSE cuts €1 million from St Michael’s House budget>

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130 Comments
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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:33 AM

    removing the transport cost is just the first step in a deliberate closure process, if people can not get to the centre because they have no transport, that will allow the hse to claim that the centre is ‘under used’ and withdraw further funding ,this will go on until it eventually closes it down, underhand tactics by the hse. they should try cutting the numbers of un neccesery pen pusher on high saleries instead of attacking disabled services, immoral and cowerdly action!

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    Mute MB
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:26 AM

    Well said Eric, spot on.

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    Mute Jimmy
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:53 AM

    If you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, yes they definitely should. These people are classed as having “disabilities”.

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    Mute Seán O'Sullivan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 1:26 PM

    sad but true Eric. disgrace

    7
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    Mute mister
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:05 PM

    What sort of weirdo votes No to a question like that?

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:13 PM

    Because a yes means you support harsher cuts in other areas?

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    Mute SeanieRyan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:47 PM

    People ultimately need to rely on themselves and their families. Mammy State cn’t look after them from cradle to grave. Responsibility for your own life is key here.

    7
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    Mute Angela Locke Reilly
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    Sep 5th 2013, 8:36 PM

    Yes I hope you never need to claim dole or anything like that.

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    Mute Carol Lennon
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:04 PM

    How do you think we should resolve this then Seanie??? Should we eliminate “the imperfect” as soon as their disability is discovered or should we just call a halt to natural conception altogether and clone the perfect species……… Then we are left with the age old question of “Um what to do with the person who becomes disabled due to an accident or illness”…. Should we throw them to the side too and tell them that they are now “less”?? Education in your case is absolutely necessary….. Maybe a walk in my shoes might enlighten you……. Ill show you the way if you can manage to extract your head from your rear……. Until then look for the light!!!!!

    37
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    Mute Trish Flood
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:50 PM

    Get back into your pram and cop on. I hope it stays fine for you. Disability can strike ANY family at any time. You need to get yourself an education in reality and keep your stupid comments to yourself.

    23
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    Mute popsie112
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:35 PM

    Well said carol Lennon

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    Mute Jackie Twomey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:05 PM

    hope you never have the misfortune to need any help

    6
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    Mute Jackie Twomey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:27 PM

    Makes me sick that people vote no on this hope all of the no voteing people with there high and mighty views never see the side of have a haveing a disability

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    Mute popsie112
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:46 PM

    Jackie twomey who is your comment directed at?

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    Mute Lisa Yiannaki
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    Sep 6th 2013, 3:43 PM

    Well said Carrol

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    Mute Angela Locke Reilly
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    Sep 7th 2013, 10:01 AM

    Oh hang on. This guy also commented on the article about the recent scientific breakthrough with manipulating the chromosomes for Down syndrome. Now this is HIS direct quote: “If you received multiples of the normal does ( dose) would it turn you in to a superhuman? ”

    He is quite obviously a pillock….. And I save that word for people I do not deem interesting enough for a better more descriptive insult. He claims on his profile to be a libertarian/ FF supporter but his comment history looks more like the A-Z of trolling so I wouldn’t get too upset by him if I were you. Don’t feed the trolls :)

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    Mute Jackie Twomey
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    Sep 7th 2013, 10:18 PM

    wicht coment the one with hope you never need healp is for seanie ryan

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    Mute Jackie Twomey
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    Sep 7th 2013, 10:42 PM

    the comment hopeing you never might need help is to seanie

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    Mute Sarah Twomey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:37 AM

    Hang on a minute! People must realise that cuts in these areas destroy peoples daily lives by reducing or removing the supports that enable them to function. We’re not all in this together at all. People requiring disability services are already on the margins of society. It’s not a few euro less in peoples pockets each week that we are talking about here. It effects BASIC FUNCTIONING. Get it?

    197
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    Mute Shauna Mooney
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:41 AM

    I work with people with disabilities and it is a disgrace what’s happening. Basic needs are being met and that’s it.. Now we are reverting back to institutional style living where they will not be able to get out anymore or live a happy decent life. Families can’t even get respite which is an absolute disgrace. Workers feel bad that they can’t give them what they deserve and want. Cuts can be made in other areas like management ,bankers and government and other appalling over paid posts. This country sickens me everyday.. These people are people and deserve a life without corruptness. Just because they are vulnerable , they are not less important.. Ireland should be ashamed of what they have become. Rant over..

    190
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    Mute Jacqueline Mckenna
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:08 AM

    it is a very good idea typing it out,,,,,people who are not au fait with the implications of such cuts, because disabilities are not part of their life will be educated a little regarding same, and creates awareness on the subject

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    Mute James Traynor
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:45 PM

    Well said!!!

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    Mute Sibhs
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:40 AM

    One of my most vivid memories from childhood (40 years ago) is one of my neighbours who had two physically and mentally disabled sons. For 12 hours a day they sat in their wheelchairs in the kitchen, no place to go, nothing to make their lives brighter, just existing. Every avenue to have a better life closed to them. Their mother spent every moment of her life taking care of them and watching them slowly die and hoping that they would die before her, because there would be no one else to care for them when she was gone. They were her sons and she loved them.
    Is this what we want to go back to? I believe if we keep cutting services to people with disabilities that’s where we’ll be again. A country where we are happy to let a group of people be totally cut off from society – out of sight out of mind.

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    Mute David Hanlon
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:35 AM

    Typical attack on the weakest members of society, how many mangers and unnecessary administration jobs/salaries will be cut? F@#k all probably

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    Mute Ken Peacham
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:52 AM

    I don’t have personal experience of using the services of charities like these so I can’t comment on the effect these cuts will have on people that do but have worked with one them recently on cost cutting project and have to say they work really hard at keeping cost down and should be commended.

    I also work with government departments in the same way and have to say the government one could learn a lot from them. They over spend and incorrectly spec every project they do.

    If the government departments took a leaf out of the charities book the could easily save these amounts many times over and improve services at the same time.

    This is disgraceful

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:07 AM

    @ Ken, over specification is how the big money changes hands not brown envelopes but that matter is off topic for now :-)

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:57 AM

    Ink ????

    1
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    Mute galway2007
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:13 AM

    Minister Jimmy Deenihan can fly down to oz to take part in a remembrance of the the irish famine but in ireland we have to cut service to people with disability
    We are remembering an event that happened hundreds of year ago but we can’t look after our people today
    What the F***K did it cost to sent him and his team to Oz??

    109
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    Mute Eva Vlavianou
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:49 AM

    I find it disgusting that they are cutting funds from services that provide care to those who are desperately in need of it. Those with disabilities should be entitled to proper care and consideration.
    I see the work St. michaels house does with their patients and it is outstanding and they deserve all the support they can get.
    Its cruel and illogical to me that those on the fringes of society are being targeted by this government..While social welfare scroungers are stilll reaping the benefits of medical cards, unemployment benefit etc with no incentive to go out and contribute to society.
    Its disgraceful

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:58 AM

    @Eva, you must not mention scroungers or the mob will beafter you :-)
    I suffer from a progressive disability and I do my best to manage without outside help but I do question the abuse of almost every ‘benefit’ provided by the state and wonder why this continues. I’m sure that everyone has seen the taxis pull up outside supermarkets to collect young couples on dole day? Who is paying for healthy young people to travel in style while others make two and three trips on foot to do their shopping?

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    Mute popsie112
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:40 PM

    Eva I agree with everything you say but using the word “patients” is just incorrect. My brother is a service user of st michaels house. He has an intellectual disability but is not a “patient” a patient is someone who is ill and he and most of the people who use the service are not ill.

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    Mute Sarah Twomey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:36 AM

    Just to make it clear, disability transport services allow people to be able to LEAVE THEIR HOMES! Respite allows caregivers a chance to WASH and EAT and SLEEP, as well as giving the client a break from the caregiver and to escape the same 4 walls they are trapped in. It’s all very well proposing that any cost cuts in disability services should start at the top in areas of management etc but we all know that is not what ever happens. So can we now proceed with the real issue at hand, being, should disability services at client level be removed/reduced? Because this is whats really being proposed.

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    Mute Paul Gurney
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:55 AM

    And this on the same day they announce 16 k payments to councillors shame on the govt and hse

    59
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    Mute Jane Travers
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:59 AM

    53% of people who responded to this poll should be ashamed of themselves. How can anyone sanction more cuts to the most marginalised and forgotten members of society? They’re barely getting by as it is.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:06 AM

    No they should not be ashamed Jane if it helps to stop abuse and inefficiency and helps make a better service for those in real need.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:08 AM

    At 51% now Jane a very sad reflection on what is left of Irish society if people are happy to see those on the margins being targeted….

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    Mute John Conroy
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:15 AM

    You mustn’t be living in the real world morticia!!! Seriously??? I see first hand the devastation cuts are causing to families. Basic services like respite for families are the first to be cut because its the easiest to cut and its devastating families. That is the one source of a break some families have. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. I seriously can’t comprehend out services like disability services and mental health services continue to be cut. What do we suggest? Put these people out on the street and say best of luck to ye? Because lads in some cases it’s very VERY close to happening. Disgusted.

    67
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    Mute Jane Travers
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:15 AM

    Show me evidence of abuse and inefficiency, Morticia? There is no fat left to trim in this area. If there was, transport services wouldn’t have to be cut completely for disabled people. In case you’re unclear, that means that many people will effectively become prisoners in their own homes.

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    Mute Jane Travers
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:15 AM

    Kerry, I’m glad to see its going down!

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    Mute Jane Travers
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:21 AM

    Well said, John :)

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:25 AM

    I am living in the real world. Every single aspect of the welfare system is open to and is being abused but people are scared to critcise this. This abuse is depriving those in real need of a better service.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:35 AM

    Morticia, cutting a service such as transport is not ensuring some get a better service it is depriving all of the service with out regard to their personal circumstances.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:45 AM

    @John Conroy, The services you mention need to be improved but how can they when big salaries and overheads that need to be trimmed are not scrutinised? Some of the familes who have to bear the brunt of disabled memebers need to see if their expectations are too high. I was in one house where the child was brought home by taxi while two healthy lads sat watching the football on TV as their two cars sat outside the door, plus the cars of the parents.The severely disabled child could have been transported home more often had they bothered to work a rota system. It is not of course a popular thing to suggest that people need to do more for themselves and indeed neighbours, it’s easier to moan about the ‘They’ who should be doing things.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:59 AM

    @Kerry Blake, who suggested cutting transport services? I asked what the service was and how much did it cost. I may be almost knackered but I can still drive and would be happy to do a day a week for free and I bet there are hundreds of pensioners just like me who would be happy to do so. I don’t expect the ‘unemployed’ to get off their backsides to justify their existence but I do know lots of people who do the shopping and other chores for their needy neighbours. I now await the 101 reasons why I amwrong to suggest this.

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    Mute Chris Boyd
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:11 AM

    Welfare fraud is actually at 0.02% so yes morticia get real! Whats depriving people across Irish society is bailing out banks and making ordinary people pay for it. Then their buddies in the Dail and the media try to divide and conquor by constantly blaming the worst off of the victims.

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    Mute Linda Connolly
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:13 AM

    It’s not going to stop inefficiency Morticia, cuts will result in more inefficiency. Those who think that the disabled should not be exempt should spend just one day in the company of a person depending on their already meagre weekly payment, relying on transport and the help of others just to live on a day to day basis; or speak to a carer, be it parent, child or relative who is so worn out from doing his or her best to provide round the clock Care with little or no help as it is without more cuts being made.

    18
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    Mute Gráinne Ní Bhriain
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:26 AM

    people who are on disability get means tested every 3 months or so if they have a disablilty that ensures they will never work they still have to get means tested . so how is that open to abuse when the officers are going around keeping the disabilty benefit in check. should be ashamed, they pay out of there disability back to st michaels house for rent which is going from 90 a week to 125 because of the cuts, so how is that fair? they dont have a lot of options to go to a rent a diff house were theyll be looked after. my friend works in st michael house and i admire the work she does , its not your normal office hours its more, and then organising transport to bring the people out for the day once every second or third weekend plan it so they have plenty of activity.

    19
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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:27 AM

    @Chris Boyd, sitting on yer bum watching TV while a taxi paid for by the welfare system brings your disabled family member around is fraud. Forget the political nonsense about bankers and the rest, when was the last time you went and washed a few floors or made the dinner for the people mentioned by Linda Connolly just now? The system is bust for now but people need transport and help that we can all chip into for now and within our limitations.
    Example, you can get a swivel seat for a car that enables a person to move from a wheelchair into the car which would help many, not all, people to be taken to the shops or for a pint [more benefit than weeks of lectures from health ‘experts’.

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    Mute Jacqueline Mckenna
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:33 AM

    and who is going to fund this swivel chair,,,,and pay for the car to be adapted to install it,,,,,

    15
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    Mute Valerie Sweeney
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:39 AM

    Mortica, I so agree with you. If the abusers were cut off, we’d have a healthy welfare system. We all know at least one person claiming something the are not entitled to…that the rest of us are paying for. Stop blaming the Government and start speaking up.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:45 AM

    @ Morticia the HSE for one is cutting the budget for sunbeam meaning their transport has to stop….

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:51 AM

    @ Jacqueline Mckenna, your comment exemplifies why we have this ‘problem’ The seat costs a tenner on ebay [ I think that Lidl or Aldi even had them once ] and they sit on the existing seat. So what was it you said about funding again ?

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:59 AM

    @ Valerie Sweeney, Thank you, we do need to get hard headed about this. The severly disabled need everything that we can possibly do for them but as many chaps in chairs have said to me ‘It’s me legs that are gone,not me head’ so we need to think on those lines. I got a hoist for 300 bucks from Lidl that I am now trying to figure how to set up for that inevitable day when I have to give up the ghost and end up in a chair.The HSE can eff off :-)

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    Mute Jenn Vhrin
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:47 PM

    Morticia, I am the child of a man with Alzheimer’s. He gets two weeks respite a year, has no specialist doctor to see him because he has early onset and they refuse to see him in Tallaght hospital because he is under 65 (he’s 63 and has shown significant signs since he was 58). A specialist in St. James’ agreed to see him but wasn’t allowed because of catchment area restrictions and the only help we really receive is from the Alzheimer’s society, local health nurse (who is great but is more for information), a free travel pass and a reduced disability benefit because my mother worked. Now my mother has lost her job and while she wants to work for the funds to keep the household going my father is entering the severe stage of dementia so she needs to be around full time and so will be applying for Carer’s. My father and sister were the only ones driving, in fact my father was a taxi driver. My father can obviously no longer drive. My sister works full time and lives with her partner across the city so is unavailable 5 days a week minimum should he need to get places. At the moment the travel pass works but once he gets much worse transport will be essential as he will be too difficult to manage as he is larger than both myself or my mother. I currently have a learner’s permit and have started taking lessons though the required amount of lessons are expensive so I have to take them as I can afford them, i have two of twelve required atm and then I will possibly need more. After I get my license I will in no way be able to afford a car or insurance though I hope to be able to do this in the next few years with the hope that my father won’t be institutionalised by then. I am a low paid intern with a recently completed Master’s degree and unfortunately I don’t see myself in decent employment for another year or so yet while I build up this experience though my results and experience are good and the field is good. It is just the proving ground you have to do before employment. My mother cannot drive, she needs help. Everything from the weekly shop, to going to our gp, to trying to get him outside of the house is a challenge compounded by the mental stress of watching her husband decline after 30 years of marriage. Yes there are people who cheat the system, but there is a harsh reality of catch 22′s for everyday people who are doing the best with what they can, caring for their loved ones by themselves (and thus saving the state a bomb) barely getting through without cracking and who are constantly being told to do more with less. It is not sustainable and it punishes those who deserve it least.

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    Mute Lisa Shanley
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    Sep 5th 2013, 1:04 PM

    Fact is Morticia, these days most parents work. And I, for one, am in a job where I don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing my hours. I hope my son will be eligible for transport when he starts school next year, that is if we can get him a place as special needs support has been cut too. Would you like to volunteer to chauffeur him while myself and his father work?

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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Sep 5th 2013, 1:22 PM

    700 town councillors being made redundant are in line to receive payments of up to €16,000 each from Govt. funding as a thank you for their time – money which would be better spent funding services for the disabled. And nobody counts these councillors taking this money as committing fraud. It’s only abuse when committed by the poor or needy.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:21 PM

    @ Jenn Vhrin, yours is exactly the type of situation I meant when I said that ” The severly disabled need everything that we can possibly do for them” Not everyone has lazy family hanging about but I have seen many who do and these are depriving your father of his right to a decent existence. Valerie Sweeney has said that we all know at least one who is ripping off the system and this we need to face.Look, I know people who are in dire straits who have lovely neighbours who come in the odd time and clean the house and do other bits and pieces so it’s not all bad but I do get cross at those who take things just because they can.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:26 PM

    @ Lisa Shanley, no I will not act as your personal chauffeur and you know well that is not what I meant. If an organisation with all the insurances etc in place can’t afford to pay a driver then there are many like me who would be happy to step in.

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    Mute Lisa Shanley
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:35 PM

    And my point is that perhaps you shouldn’t judge others without knowing their circumstances. And please don’t take offence but I’m not sure I’d be happy sending my child off with anyone who was willing to drive them. As you said, there are insurance issues, never mind safety. This country has forced people to rely on services and to cut those services leaves us with nothing.

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    Mute James Traynor
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:46 PM

    Well said John

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:55 PM

    @Lisa, I am partially disabled and getting worse and I’m not judging anyone other than the loafers and spongers in this ‘entitlement society’ that we have created.The various charities all do great work and perhaps they are the ones to manage whatever money is going while we are the current financial mess.

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    Mute Lisa Shanley
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:02 PM

    “Manage whatever money is going”? After what? After the government decide what to give them after they’ve looked after their own salaries? Think that’s the point of this thread. Most don’t feel it should be about “accepting what’s going” and this “entitlement state” you talk of? None if this mess was created by the people who depend on it. For every person you view as defrauding, there are hundreds who really need it. Perhaps look at the majority rather than be soured by your opinion of the few.

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    Mute Tús Nua
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:07 PM

    this is why we pay our taxes for services like this

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    Mute James Traynor
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:12 PM

    Expectations too high? I seriously doubt that any of ye people I work with have higher expectations than the average person. This government and the people who elected them are sending services that were only beginning to break free from the dark ages, back there, Ireland and its people have a responsibility to the most venerable in society, if not, then do as John has suggested and close services and then complain about the “poor unfortunates” wandering the roads, I cannot believe in this day and age people are still so caught up.. In relation to staff, the professionalised the social care workplace because they wanted the job taken seriously, now after people educate themselves and work very hard, they say wages are too high. We all know WHY that is happening, but instead of going into that I choose to speak about the ill effects it now had on services… Please don’t say you don’t agree!

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    Mute margaret
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:53 PM

    @jenn. That is very hard. I’ve been through it and am now out the other end. I’d advise you to get started on the Fair Deal. Lot of paperwork but have it in order so when the time comes, you will be prepared. And it actually is a very fair deal.

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    Mute Neil Richardson
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:59 AM

    I’d rather they taxed me more if the savings couldn’t be found elsewhere.

    What we take for granted these people yearn for. Making their lives more difficult in any capacity is another nail in the coffin of Irish society.

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    Mute Laura Marie Purcell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:34 AM

    I really don’t know enough to say that disabilty services should be cut. Some services probably could be streamlined, some less important ones could be maybe removed. Im sure though if the government thought it out a bit better they could find a better way of reducing costs. Mind you a lot of the times the government seem to ge spending pounds to save pennies

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    Mute Mags O' Leary
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:37 AM

    It’s beyond me how anyone could disagree that disability services should be exempt from budget cuts. These services are the only life line some people have to keep their loved ones at home with them and even at that they are struggling to cope. There are young children doing the work of adults in the caring of one of their parents or siblings. Older people who are not in the best of health themselves are caring for their spouses that are suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia and physical disabilities and are at the end of their threader trying to cope. Parents with children that suffer from severe levels of Autism are trapped at home as they cannot take their children out due to their outbursts that they have no control over.
    Each and everyone of these people deserve an award besides their disability benefits being cut.

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:27 PM

    Let’s cut cancer treatments then, or maternity services, or maybe let’s give up on HSE inspections, or tell old folks to go f themselves.

    The cuts are coming, the question is where.

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    Mute Ian Downes
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:47 AM

    I wonder how many of the no voters have a friend or relative with a disability. These services are a life line to a lot of people.

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    Mute Paul Ibbs
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:42 AM

    They shouldn’t be exempt as without constant checking for value for money costs can easily mount. However, they need to be considered with care and should placed far down a long long list of cost saving areas. Merely because they are a not very vocal political group of people does not mean they should be targeted for sweeping cuts.

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    Mute Chris Boyd
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:03 AM

    I voted yes but its a false dilemma. There is no need to cut services in the HSE. Especially when James Reilly lives in a mansion subsidized by us. Tax the rich and properly fund the HSE instead of cutting and trying to make it a for profit service. Its a “crazy” idea I know. The idea that healthcare should be a right instead of a commodity!

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    Mute Anna Marie Dowdican
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:47 AM

    All the comments are yes, so where are all those who clicked no? why did ye? I would like to know why someone would think it is a good idea for cuts to these services..

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    Mute Jakki Cosgrove
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:08 AM

    My daughter has a fantastic service. The frontline staff are doing so much with limited resources. However, because of cutbacks, she can spend up to three hours a day traveling to and from her training centre. Taking from those who simply can’t do for themselves, because of their disability, is just so low.

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    Mute Caroline Mills
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:09 AM

    Flabbergasted as to who would say no to disability services being exempt! I’m sure I’m safe to assume these people neither have a disability or have a family member with a disability and have not had to fight for everything.

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    Mute Tom Lewis
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:37 AM

    Caroline its because they are to stupid to understand the question

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:27 PM

    The joke’s on you, Tom.

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    Mute Wynnner
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:28 AM

    This country is a disgrace

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    Mute Jacqueline Mckenna
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:28 AM

    the genuine disabled have always been treated like 2nd class citizens,,,,,a person i crossed paths with recently complained that a severly disabled person (Who she referred to as a spakka) happened to be eating at the same restaurant she frequented,,,,she said it looked like he had been brought out for his birthday,,,,,however she found it grossly offensive having to watch this person eating so disgustingly, along with the animalistic noises he was making,,,,,,,going on to state that there should be specific restaurants for that type !!,,,,,,my first comment to her was that it was hard to believe such ignorance regarding the disabled was still rampant in this day and age,,,,,then my second comment was that anyone with her mindset was not a child of gods,,,,,the old, sick, disabled and infirm are seen as scourge to the system,,,,,their rehabilitation is zero,,,,,,most of the network support systems are funded through charity work,,,,yet drug addicts and alchoholics are deemed to qualify for long term disability benefits,,,,,,if the carers of the disabled wiped their hands of their role in caring for the disabled the government wouldnt know what had hit their monetary fund,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,so much for their pre-election promises that such sensitive areas would not be touched

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    Mute Wendy Nic Airt
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:10 AM

    Hear, hear Eric! Underhand, cowardly tactics being used as always. As the parent of a service user we rely heavily upon the transport system that St Michael’s House provide, without it my son simply cannot get to his appointments as we live in Balbriggan and the centre is in Ballymun. A disgrace that they are hitting out yet again at people with disabilities. I have extended an invitation to any TD to come live our life for a week and then tell me that those services are not absolutely ESSENTIAL to my son. That fell upon deaf ears as always!

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    Mute Kevin Thornton
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:45 AM

    phoooking goverment shower of pr{x%$ take take take and the only thing the goverment gave us is a pain in the hole good on yas lads

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    Mute Cillian Buckley
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:32 AM

    Were all in this together..

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    Mute Valerie Sweeney
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:36 AM

    I’m guessing you don’t have a disability….yet!

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    Mute AD0099
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:39 AM

    cuts should be made but in a way that has least impact on people using the service ie CEO salary and other big earners ..
    cut waste and thrifty budget management.

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    Mute johnny
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:45 AM

    I’m guessing he has

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    Mute John Conroy
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:16 AM

    Another numpty comment!!! Can you apply for a job? And at least attempt to look for work??? Even if you can’t get a job??? Because until you can’t and physically can’t work don’t make stupid comments like that.

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    Mute Gary Brennan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:05 PM

    Valerie, ignorance is a disability, is it any wonder the country is in a hole when people are justifying these cuts.

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    Mute Robert O Doherty
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:22 PM

    What next? Clamp wheelchair users?

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    Mute Keith Mills
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:27 AM

    No, absolutely not. How many people have “free” (i.e. taxpayer funded) bus passes when there’s nothing obviously wrong with them. A root and branch review which helps people with real disabilities and targets those that are taking us for a ride (literally) is what’s needed.

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    Mute Jenn Vhrin
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:51 PM

    Keith, disabilities aren’t always obvious. Being on crutches/wheelchair is a sign but what about the autoimmune disorders like lupus or things like cystic fibrosis, or Alzheimer’s etc etc. People with disabilities don’t have a flashing neon sign accompanying their condition and there are so many things that render a person incapable of working.

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    Mute Deborah Connolly
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:36 AM

    Cut funding to all the so called centers for addicts they chose that life nobody chooses to be disabled!!

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    Mute
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:02 PM

    Cutting funding to the most vulnerable in our society is a disgrace.

    The top-heavy HSE could, if it were not so full of self interest, cut the jobs of so many unnecessary middle management which would provide the necessary cost savings. I know that this would mean probably thousands losing their jobs but the Government needs to face facts that the country is bankrupt and cannot afford to keep people in highly paid jobs that are completely unnecessary.

    On another note, it’s noticeable how the wonderful trade unions, whom are holding the Government and people of Ireland to ransom, would kick up hell if even one HSE or other Departmental pen pusher that sits picking his hole all day were to get laid off. They are quite happy however, to see Disabled people and the most vulnerable in society subjected to further service cuts so that their paid up members are kept in employment.

    It’s really quite sickening

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    Mute Eoin O Donnell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:06 AM

    There’s plenty money to be saved by catching out all the scammers who have crutches for show, keeping up claims of disability Long after they should have returned to being contributing members of society I’m shit sick of seeing the same actors leaning on their crutch out side the pub all week smoking!!!

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    Mute Chris Boyd
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:16 AM

    Welfare fraud is actually a tiny tiny fraction but because it suits the ruling elite to blame the victims this rubbish is constantly trotted out in the media. The elefant in the room is 64 billion to bail out banks.

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    Mute Morticia
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    Sep 5th 2013, 9:48 AM

    What transport services were involved and at what cost?

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    Mute Mary Marmion Kilcoole
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:40 PM

    s a voluntary director oid a charity for children with disability I can assure you that every cent is accounted for and we have had to make cuts which break our hearts in order to comply with HSE requirements. These burocrats only understand figures. They do not want to see the face of their actions, they are only following orders. The buck stops at the Department of Finance. As many comments have highlighted, this sector can take no more as it is already being undermined. What effect will this poll have?

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    Mute Dave Harris
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:37 PM

    There have been some very good statements in these comments about the terrible effect cuts have on people. What also needs to be mentioned is that these cuts are short term savings – if people cannot be cared for in their homes they end up in hospital – which costs a great deal more, and is a terrible situation for all concerned

    This government are not only heartless uncaring bustards but they are stupid short-sighted uncaring bustards who are only going to make things far worse.

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    Mute Nelly Pender
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:37 AM

    For me there should be no debate on this one . People with disability and their carers deserve all our support full stop. The fact that politicians are advocating and supporting these cuts says more about our political system than it does about the recipients of theses services. To support these services lets means test politicians and senior bureaucrats , and see if they are really up to the job and deserve the money they get, or are we paying them far too much?

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    Mute Pat Williams
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:09 PM

    Where are all the yes votes coming from? Unbelievable!

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:24 PM

    From people that understand the question.

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    Mute James Traynor
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:21 AM

    And what you didn’t say in your report was that this I’d due to the Haddington road not getting the savings it was meant to because some fool made a mistake in his numbers…. Sack him/ it her and start again… Disgusting how this can be allowed to stand.. Shame on Ireland..

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    Mute Tom Lewis
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:32 AM

    Seriously do some of you understand the question 48/ no wtf

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:25 PM

    No, you don’t undersand the question. Cuts are coming, question is where.

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    Mute Usawadee Wannapho
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:21 PM

    Some people in this country are classed as disabled and there’s nothing physically or mentally wrong with them and they claim every benefit going. GP’s from yesteryear are to blame.

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    Mute Aisling Brady
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    Sep 5th 2013, 7:52 PM

    You have proof of that I presume?

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    Mute Amy Ní Chaoimh
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:57 PM

    Maybe if Dr. O’Reilly made some cuts to his weekly food budget…

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    Mute Susan Carroll
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:54 PM

    The first thing the government needs to do in relation to disability services, is to make organisations accountable for how they spend their money. Having had first hand experience, I do not believe that these services are short of money, but that it is not spent in the right places. These big organisations which are totally unaccountable, should not receive money from the government at the expense of home carers, respite grants, mobility allowance etc., the emphasis should be on supporting people to be at home and in their community, as this is a more desirable outcome for people and it is also much more cost effective.

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    Mute YouNeek
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:45 PM

    What areas would you cut more to make up the deficit? Children, old folk, stop paying nurses altogether…..any option is highly unattractive.

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    Mute Emilio
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:24 PM

    I think most people here have misunderstood the question… The cuts are not optional, they are going to happen. The question is where. So yes, exactly, children? old folk? cancer patients? less HSE inspections on places like Créches (we know how well those are working now)?

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    Mute Nigel Hayden
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    Sep 5th 2013, 12:26 PM

    Too much bureaucracy is the main problem here, cut back on that rather than the actual services & that’s coming from someone with a disability

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    Mute Tina Thompson
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    Sep 5th 2013, 8:21 PM

    The most vulnerable in our society/community need protecting its as simple an answer as that..

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    Mute Jessica Ní Mhaoláin
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    Sep 5th 2013, 7:54 PM

    Why do FG/Labour (especially Kathleen Lynch) think its ok to do it to people like me?
    The cuts need to come from those at the top who run these services I.e. admin costs (printing, electricity,, etc) and CEO salaries. The rent rates in buildings used to for these services needs to be renegotiated. There are many cost saving opportunities within the running of these services that would benefit both service users and the HSE. I can point out some of these if the HSE would like me to!

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    Mute Tanya Adamson
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    Sep 7th 2013, 9:46 PM

    Morticia .. is it not everybodys right to live a full and satisfying life?? How would u feel if everything you did relied on the goodness of neighbours and favors from others? Do people with a disability not deserve a service that provides them with the same opportunities as you or i?? What about older people with a disability that dont have mammys and daddys cars outside? People that want to live an individual life, that want to live in the community but need support?? How can you justify people having transport cut.. which limits their lives, their options and their opportunities?? People with a disability have the same rights as you to live their lives without restriction! They need transport to enable them to do this and its ok to say rely on the goodwill of others but this is no way to live!! They deserve a service that is consistent and with these cuts their lives are becoming more and more restricted… where is the fairness and justification in this???

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    Mute popsie112
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:56 PM

    @morticia do not judge what is going on in someone else’s house! I have an autistic son who available of school transport while our car sits outside the house. Sometimes the reason for a child being transported is deeper than you are aware. You are looking through a very narrow lense at why some supports are in place. I do not feel I have to justify why my son gets free transport, I know why he needs it and the dept knows why he needs it and besides my husbands huge taxes are paying for it!

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    Mute Jackie Twomey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:00 PM

    i hope who ever votes no that it dose not come back and bith you in the ass if you need help may ye all keep well and not need anything

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    Mute E Ní Ghiolla Siomain
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    Sep 5th 2013, 1:28 PM

    The way this poll is worded may be confusing to some, i’m only going by the fact that people actually answer ‘I’m not sure’ or ‘I don’t know’

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    Mute Louise Myler-O' Connell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:50 PM

    I am amazed that people voted no. What kind of country is this becoming when we don’t protect our most vulnerable.

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    Mute Pat Williams
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    Sep 5th 2013, 2:04 PM

    Where are the years coming from?

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    Mute Richard O'Gorman
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:07 PM

    What do people expect when the country is in the ‘Financial Gutter’.
    Reality Bites Hard.

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    Mute Trish Flood
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    Sep 6th 2013, 3:13 PM

    Reality always bites hard when you have a disability Richard.

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    Mute Carol Louise Flanagan
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    Sep 6th 2013, 12:27 AM

    WHEN WILL THIS SHAMEFUL GOVERNMENT STOP THIS DISGUSTING ACTIONS. PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH. JOIN THE REVOLUTION AT THE DIAL 5AM -9AM ON 18TH SEPTEMBER. THEY HAVE WELL AND TRULY LOST THEIR RIGHTS TO TAX FREE WAGES/PENSIONS. IRELAND TIME FOR A CHANGE. PEOPLE PAY THE TAXES!! WHAT DO WE GET IN RETURN HEARTACHE WHILE WATCHING OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY DOWN ON HER KNEES. CUT AT THE TOP!!! THAT’S WHAT I SAY. LETS GET A BODY INTO THE DIAL THAT CAN DO THE JOB PROPERLY. STOP TO TAX FREE SALARIES & PENSIONS.

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    Mute Cuddle Flips
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    Sep 7th 2013, 9:42 PM

    WHEN WILL THIS SHAMEFUL POSTER STOP THIS DISGUSTING SHOUTING. PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH. JOIN THE REVOLUTION AT THE COMMENTS 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR. SHE HAS WELL AND TRULY LOST HER RIGHTS TO FREE COMMENTS/REPLIES. THEJOURNAL TIME FOR A CHANGE. PEOPLE READ THE COMMENTS!! WHAT DO WE GET IN RETURN HEADACHE WHILE WATCHING OUR BEAUTIFUL THREADS DISRUPTED. BAN THIS USER!!! THAT’S WHAT I SHOUT. LETS GET A MOD INTO THE COMMENTS THAT CAN DO THE JOB PROPERLY. STOP TO SHOUTING AND LIKING YOUR OWN FACEBOOK POSTS.

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    Mute Mary Mcmahon
    Favourite Mary Mcmahon
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    Sep 6th 2013, 12:47 AM

    Divide and conquer .

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