The State represents the biggest problem for disabled people, rights campaigner Ms Kathy Sinnott told a protest meeting outside the Dáil today.
"The Government themselves and Government departments, and not everyday challenges, are the biggest problem - no longer merely negligent, they are now proactively discriminatory," Ms Sinnott said at a rally organised by NAMHI, the national body representing those with intellectual disability.
Following the meeting, which was supported by the National Parents and Sibling Alliance (NPSA) and the Irish Autism Alliance (IAA), a letter of protest was handed into the Taoiseach's office, calling for a publication of a rights-based Disability Bill.
Among the demands contained in the letter handed to the Taoiseach's office were that urgent funding be agreed to meet shortfalls in intellectual disability services this year, and agreement on eliminate waiting lists for services over the next three years.
The meeting was attended by a large number of local disability groups from all four provinces, along with a Special Olympics participant. Members of all the Opposition parties attended.
Among others who addressed the protest were Ms Sinnott, Ms Deirdre Carroll of NAMHI, Mr Seamus Green of the Irish Autism Alliance and Mr Donal Toolan, a disability rights activist.
During the speeches, the State was accused of "trying to institutltionaise disability".
"The actions of this Government have enunciated their contempt for the vulnerable in society - their lack of social spending is a disease of the present, with roots in the past, which should not continue into the future," Ms Sinnott claimed.
"People have to beg and plead for the most basic services from this State. After four decades of political process we now find the reality - that our taxes have been handed over to fund straitjackets and the like. This is how we deal with the disabled," Mr Toolan added.
"We have to get a response this year. The current state of play cannot continue," Mr Ger South, who travelled from Limerick to the rally, told those assembled.
Attending the protest was Special Olympics participant Ms Deirdre Spain, who is attached to the Irish basketball team. She expressed her disappointment with disability funding, in light of her own participation in the Games.
"I get annoyed because of the lack of funding. It's just not right," she said.