National Federation warmly welcomes the allocation of €65million in Budget 2023

The National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers supports more than 26,000 people with intellectual disabilities and their families through its 54 member organisations based across the country; and thirty six of these organisations are Section 39 providers. We warmly welcome the announcement of €65million in Budget 2023 to support these organisations to meet the rising cost of delivering sustainable and safe supports to people with intellectual disability.

Responding to Minister Rabbitte’s Dáil speech of 28th September, which provided details of the funding being allocated to Section 39 disability services, Pat Reen, Chief Executive of the Prosper Group; one of the National Federation’s providers affected, welcomed the additional funding, stating “This allocation is so timely because it is focused on protecting essential frontline services for people with disabilities and their families, which are currently experiencing significant difficulties. I am delighted to hear this announcement because the rising costs were causing deep concern for the future of the Section 39 service providers.”

We thank Minister Rabbitte, Minister Donnelly and Minister McGrath for listening to the significant risks that were facing these services; and responding to them through this budget allocation. The rights of citizens supported by Section 39 disability organisations to access support on an equal basis are at the centre of this funding, and that is to be welcomed.  We look forward to working with the Minister, the Department and HSE in progressing the measures that this funding provides.

ENDS
Contact:

Alison Harnett, Chief Executive

Alison.harnett@fedvol.ie

091 792 316