Minister warns of effort duplication by disability groups

The disability sector is unwieldy and unco-ordinated, Minister of State with responsibility for equality and disability has said.

Announcing a €6 million "enhancing disability services fund" at the weekend, Frank Fahey said the 400,000 people with disabilities in Ireland deserved better results from the 500 groups representing their interests.

He was speaking at the national board meeting of People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI), the umbrella body representing people with disabilities.

"There are 507 different disability organisations, leading to dissipation and much duplication of effort. That is not good for people with disabilities both in terms of services and in terms of representing the voice of people with disabilities to Government and the public service."

He invited the sector to make submissions for funding for "once-off projects which demonstrate efficient, collaborative and cost-effective approaches".

There was a recognition that statutory service also needed better co-ordination.

"This issue is now being addressed by the HSE. The Government is determined to see State services that are person-centred rather than system-centred.

"A better co-ordinated disability sector is needed to ensure that that becomes a reality sooner rather than later."

Michael Ringrose, chief executive of PwDI, said: "We warmly welcome the Minister's comments. This is an excellent initiative. PwDI is ready and willing to take up the Minister's challenge.

"We saw just how effective the disability sector can be when it came together in the Disability Legislation and Consultation Group."