Irish Wheelchair Association to kick off election preparations in Portlaoise
Laois people with disabilities urged to register and get their voice heard
The Irish Wheelchair Association is kicking off its General Election Campaign with the first of its hustings in Portlaoise.
The Association urges people with disabilities to register to vote now, with a general election imminent.
The association is hosting a number of hustings around the country, starting in Portlaoise on Monday, November 4, to allow members to gain insights on each candidate’s/party’s stance on issues affecting people with disabilities, in advance of polling day.
Advisors will be on hand at the IWA Laois centre, in St Fintan's Campus on the Dublin Road, from 11.30 until lunchtime.
They say that these events will also give general election candidates the opportunity to hear about what matters to IWA members.
22% of Ireland’s population has a disability of some form, according to the latest census, and IWA is adamant that the needs of people with disabilities must be prioritised in the next Programme for Government.
“It is imperative therefore, that people with disabilities use their vote in this General Election to help elect candidates who they believe will best represent them” said IWA’s Advocacy Manager, Joan Carthy.
She added: “We want to put disability front and centre stage in this general election campaign. We believe that the disability sector has been abandoned by successive governments and that needs to change.
“22% of the population plus their families is a significant voice and we are calling on our members and people with disabilities in general to make sure they have a say in this election by registering to vote and when polling days comes to use that vote to make a difference.”
She said some people ask why bother voting.
“If you don’t vote, other people get to choose who represents you. Let candidates know you exist and if you are not satisfied tell them why.”
“Sections of society who vote the least have the most to lose. We need to be part of the conversation and help to influence policy and decision making.”
“Everyone should be able to live a life of choice and equality. An accessible, inclusive society benefits everyone,” Ms Carthy said.
But she warned, there is an ongoing crisis in the disability sector which is fundamentally one of funding.
She said that despite Budget ‘25 being hailed as a ‘give away Budget’ people with disabilities or the organisations that provide vital services did not reap the rewards - once again - which was hugely disappointing given the amount of money that the government had at their disposal.
“There is a major discrepancy in what the government reports say is needed and the amount that is actually allocated. Due to lack of planning people with disabilities too often find themselves in emergency situations which is more costly go the state and detrimental to the individual
“We want a commitment from candidates that they will prioritise disability if elected and commit to the main asks raised in our election manifesto across key areas such as sectoral funding, the cost of disability, housing, pay parity, transport, sport and access”, she added.
You can read IWA’s election manifesto in full here IWA-Election-Manifesto-A4.pdf