Deaf Advocacy Group Closure – A Cruel Cut says Crowe

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has said that Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan’s decision to cease funding to the Irish Deaf Society was a cruel cut that will further marginalise and isolate members of the deaf community and their families.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“It was with shock and disbelief that people learned this week of the decision of Minister Phil Hogan to refuse funding to the Irish Deaf Society, resulting, in the closure of its National Advocacy Service with full loss of staff.

“Minister Hogan has to be aware that the Irish Deaf Society is the representative group for deaf people in Ireland. He has to be also be aware of the vital day to day work carried out by the Irish Deaf Society in assisting deaf people to play a full part in society and to gain access to their rights and entitlements in terms of education, employment, healthcare and other public services. Add to it that 80% of Deaf adults have literacy levels akin to those of 8 to 9 year olds compared with 25% of the general population, and you have a serious case of social exclusion with no real means of remedy.

“The IDS closure now creates a gaping hole in services for deaf people and their families.

“5,000 people have been left literally high and dry as a result of this crazy ill-thought out decision.

“To take this service away from deaf people is appalling and seems to have been done without any thought or concern as to the fall out or consequences is just plain wrong.

“Sinn Féin have written to the Minister calling on him to reverse this decision without further delay and to ensure a continuing stream of funding for the Irish Deaf Society so that they can resume their very valuable work.

“This a cruel cut that will further marginalise and isolate member of the deaf community and their families. Minister Hogan may be heading elsewhere in the next couple of weeks but these Irish citizens will be further isolated and left without supports following his cut decision.”