Sir, – I note the Minister for Social Protection is yet again considering axing disability allowance for those under the age of 18 (Home News, October 9th). As someone who has been in receipt of disability allowance since the age of 16, I have first- hand experience of its benefits.
Joan Burton states, “I would be concerned if there were a disincentive to a child involved staying on in school, education or training.” Disability allowance has quite the opposite effect. For many “disabled people” myself included it is not possible to engage in the traditional forms of part-time work that are open to most young adults. Hence disability allowance has filled the gap in earning between “disabled young people” and their peers. This payment has allowed me, and many others in a similar situation to avail of education.
Many studies have recognised that there is a substantial additional cost to any family as a result of disability. Disability allowance enables “disabled people” meet part of the cost of disability. It is essential in ensuring that “disabled young people” live active and fulfilling lives. For example, if most young people want to go to town with friends they can walk or take public transport, If I want to go into town with friends I have to take a taxi or car. Without the disability allowance I certainly would not have the same level of independence.
It was mentioned in your article that a domiciliary care allowance would be paid to the parents of “disabled young people”. This will not be effective. I, like many others, left home at the age of 17 to go to college. Therefore a domiciliary care payment would not be practical or appropriate. Moreover, it is my belief that disability allowance has acted as a means of empowering “disabled young people”. It is only when we have control over our finances that we can direct our own lives. This is something which our society should encourage and embrace.
I believe the consequences will be disastrous if disability allowance is axed for people under the age of 18. “Disabled young people” will not be in a position to take part in society and therefore they will not have the same level of opportunity as their peers. I strongly encourage the Minister to consider these issues before she makes her decision. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I am keen to hear the justification for recommendations by the expert advisory group on tax and social welfare to cut disability allowances for 16- to 18-year-olds in the budget (Home News, October 9th).
Already this year this sector has endured reviews of domiciliary care allowance, carer’s allowance, personal assistants, along with the termination of funding for prescribed dietary requirements and shortage of staff in critical services. Life is challenging enough for parents of and persons with disabilities, many of whom would prefer to be taxpayers if this was facilitated. Services for this age group are being restricted due to cut backs. This is tragic, at a period in their lives when potential for equal and productive citizenship could be developed.
Advisers are looking in the wrong direction. – Yours, etc,