Targeting disabled children in an effort to save money in the budget is unfair and unjust and the decision to get rid of the disability allowance for 16 - 18 year olds must be reversed.

In County Westmeath alone there are 7,500 persons with a disability, approximately 9% of the population. The decision to withdraw the disability allowance from 16 year olds is a cruel blow for many many families. This money can be used to provide services not provided by the State, speech and language therapy, help with specific educational needs mobility assistance etc, whatever is required to improve quality of life and life chances.

This measure which strikes at the heart of care for young persons with a disability must be reversed. The savings are minimal to the Exchequer but the impact on the lives of young persons with a disability and their families is huge. "This is heart breaking for many families - we need to change it now." Marian Harkin concluded.