Polio Survivors Ireland Pre-Budget Submission

Polio Survivors Ireland made a pre-budget submission to the Department of Social Protection in May, calling on the government to expand the Cost of Disability payments to people over 65, as well as an enhanced Fuel Allowance to address cold intolerance in polio survivors.

The issues faced by our members were outlined, whilst also aligning with common asks among other organisations supporting people with disabilities.

Previously, the Department of Social Protection had commented that disability organisations were asking for different things, and that they could not meet everyone’s expectations. As a result, at the Cost of Disability summit, it was agreed that disability organisations should have some common themes.

Our submission includes these common asks as much as possible, while not losing sight of our members’ specific needs, such as the expansion of the Cost of Disability payments and enhanced Fuel Allowance.

The issues experienced by our members continue to be the centre of our submission, some of whom have directly sent in personal concerns. Our submission reflects communication and common needs between organisations for persons with disabilities, while highlighting the unique experiences of polio survivors.

The full submission can be read below: