SIPTU says disability services suffering due to lack of adequate funding model
SIPTU representatives say a lack of an adequate funding model for community and voluntary disability services is leading to adverse impacts on clients as well as staff retention and recruitment issues.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Sharon Cregan, said: “The Programme for Government states that the incoming Government will increase investment in the disability services, seek to attract staff into the sector and work towards resolving outstanding pay issues. However, when it comes to how this is to be achieved the document lacks information.
“We are being advised that some disability services providers are in a state of extreme financial distress. As a result, some may even be unable to make timely payments to the Revenue Commissioners and pension companies. As a Union which organises thousands of members in many organisations assisting those with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, we are increasingly encountering situations where payments to staff have been delayed due to funding issues.”
Cregan added: “Our members in these settings provide care to some of the most vulnerable adults and children in our communities. Staff and service users are anxious about the future of these services. This anxiety is heightened by the lack of a clear funding model for the sector. We urge the incoming Government to address this issue as a matter of urgency.”
