An estimated 1,000 disabled people and their supporters staged a "march" from Parnell Square to Dail Eireann yesterday in protest at what they say is the Government's failure to deliver aid for the disabled.
Speaking outside the Dail, Mr John Dolan, director of resources at the Irish Wheelchair Association, said they wanted "to send a message to the Taoiseach that his promise that disability would be one of the major concerns of this Government, written into the programme for Government, has not been kept".
Mr Dolan added that the protesters were not agitating for tax concessions. "That would not do it. What we want is action on a three-point plan for day resources, aids and appliances and personal assistance supports."
He said that while there were waiting lists for hospital beds, child-care places and other services, "over 4,000 disabled people have been waiting all their lives for day care, personal assistance and appliances".
