The Irish government has been urged to introduce a COVID-19 Pandemic fund to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families as services reopen.
The Inclusion Ireland met with the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, on Wednesday to discuss the priority needs of those with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The closure of disability services in recent months has had a major impact on people with intellectual disabilities “in terms of greater anxiety, loneliness and behavioural difficulties during this period”, said CEO, Enda Egan, Inclusion Ireland
“A COVID-19 fund would help maximise service capacity for the return of people with intellectual disabilities to their services and support networks. This will re-engage people with their person-centred plans, facilitate their independence, and also will facilitate family members getting back to work and easing the pressure on the entire family unit,” Mr Egan explained.
During the meeting, Minister Harris also clarified the figures related to people in disability services with COVID-19.
Prior to the meeting, Mr Egan had expressed concern about the accurate reporting of cases of the virus in residential disability services.
