Disability Group Disbands As Government Axes Funding
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Shane Murray, Chairman of Offaly PwDI, makes a presentation to the branch’s founder, former Chairman, National Director and stalwart member Mary Smyth. TT5002
THE Offaly network of People with Disabilities in Ireland [PwDI] has disbanded following the decision of the Government to withdraw all financial support from the disability group nationwide.
The move has been branded a 'folly' and a 'retrograde step in social policy' by the Chairman of the Offaly network, Shane Murray.
Added Mr Murray: 'This decision will plunge people with disabilities back into the 1950s where they had no voice in decisions made at local and national levels and had little contact with each other.'
A dinner to mark the disbanding of the Offaly network was recently held in Maunsell's public house, Tullamore at which presentations were made to long serving members, Mary Smyth, a former network Chairperson and Offaly representative on the national board, and Sharon Treacy, outgoing Secretary.
The presentations were made by Shane Murray who paid tribute to the work of both stalwart officers and all members of the network.
Also in attendance at the dinner was the Cathaoirleach of Offaly Co. Council, Cllr Danny Owens who is a member of the network.
PwDI was set up by Minister Mervyn Taylor in 1996 during the tenure of the Rainbow coalition and had over 80,000 volunteers in 26 networks nationwide.
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