Awash with money: thus Ireland, according to the Tanaiste, God bless her. Any chance of a wee splash of it for the most marginalised section of the community, the disabled, Ms Harney? Last year, they were virtually ignored - because, according to David Andrews (The Irish Times, October 28th) in a spirited plea for the disabled (God bless him), the disabled count for no more than 10 per cent of the population.
In fact, that 10 per cent is a guess on the part of the European Commission. The fact is that at least 20 per cent of the population is affected, directly or indirectly, by disablement, according to John Dolan, director of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI). If the disabled are to be sidelined on Budget Day yet again, they are unlikely to forget the next time they go out to vote.
Proper deal
As Mr Andrews, in his Saturday contribution, and Ms Harney, at her party's recent conference in Cork (The Irish Times, November 13th), both said, the country now can afford the cost of giving a proper deal - equality - to the disabled. As Ms Harney pointed out: "People with disabilities are full citizens of this Republic and well capable of making a valuable and important contribution to our society. They want to participate and we must ensure that they have the opportunities to do so."
"Being disabled costs more": thus the DFI emphasis in its Budget submission. One could begin with public transport, which even yet is not designed to accommodate wheelchairs. A taxi will cost more but, if transport is urgent . . . Hold on, though. How many taxis can accommodate wheelchairs? Yes, some firms advertise that they can. But for some unearthly reason, when asked to oblige, too often they say they can't. What then? Hire a pony and trap and a crane? No, it's not funny.
Everyone is entitled to have the occasional drink, but when will the Vintners' Federation issue a booklet so that the disabled will know at a glance what pubs can cater for wheelchair users? Right. Pubs are out. Off to an hotel, then? If it will take a wheelchair, all is well. But, of course, it will cost more than a pub.
This applies not just to the pint (or the small one). For disabled people, almost everything costs more: special diets; special clothes; special beds; special medical equipment; alterations to the family home. Just ask the DFI.
Yes, I can hear you muttering: "But are there not specialist organisations supplying some of these things to the disabled?" Right. The DFI membership consists of 74 organisations and, in association, 200 other organisations. Many of them do supply equipment. But where do they get the money? A little from the better health boards, a little more from the Department of Health; but most comes from the public - the likes of me out begging with a collection box, or giving a hand or two to run a fundraising event.
Begging
The crowd I belong to, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, spends much more than £100,000 a year on equipment alone, and begging brings in only a very small proportion of that sum. This is one of the things we have in common with our DFI brothers and sisters. The fact is that these associations, registered charities, can give only a little help, although doing the Government's work at a fraction of the cost.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions stated in its Budget 2001 submission last September: "The most recent available data confirm the growing poverty levels among people with disabilities." The ESRI's 1987 "Living in Ireland" survey indicated that 42 per cent of households headed by a person who was ill or disabled were living at below the 60 per cent poverty line (compared with 16 per cent of all households). Ten years later, the 1997 "Living in Ireland" survey indicated that 72 per cent of all households headed by a disabled person were below this poverty line.
More humane
I believe that the voluntary sector makes for a healthy society with a social conscience. Usually, it can deal with people in a far more humane manner than the best State services. But I believe also in partnership. The DFI puts it this way: "DFI is concerned with the development of a social infrastructure, built on the commitment and expertise of the voluntary sector, one that will allow people with disabilities and their families to enjoy rights and opportunities, taken as the norm for non-disabled citizens.
"We are talking about a range of measures, some specialised, others mainsstream that, if in place at a appropriate level, would facilitate maximum independence and allow people with disabilities reach their potential, allowing for their full and equal participation within society."
That makes sense and is achievable. It will cost money. Pace Andrews and Harney, is the Coalition prepared to spend that money in a genuine effort to end inequality in our society - or at least in that part of society occupied by the infirm, the disabled, and all the rest of the underprivileged?