The Irish Government have sanctioned a €20 million cut in respite services for persons with ASD in 2020 .
This cut is sanctioned at a time when the disgraced Irish Football Association of Ireland was bailed out to the tune of exactly €20 million
This funding was mainly used for persons with ASD to take respite over the summer months
Now 1000s of ASD people will lose valuable learning opportunities along with having some special time with their friends ,the provision of this support provided much needed respite for carers and families .
Indeed such was the need for this respite service that applications far exceeded the budget each year and many people never got the opportunity to participate .
The Irish Government are currently running a surplus on their annual budget and have significnat funds available for this service, this funding must be restored straight away and in time for programmes to be put in place for June July and August .
Don’t Leave them Behind has started a campaign for this savage and nasty cut to be reversed and are making representations to all relevant parties over this weekend .
As Ireland heads into an election this week , support our campaign by demanding the full restoration of this respite service, when you are canvassed for a vote from all parties.