A new cost of living protest is being organised outside the Dail next week in support of the disabled community.
Access For All Ireland, an advocacy group campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities, is supporting the demonstration. The protest is organised by Physical Impairment Ireland as disabled people across Ireland face mounting inequalities.
Access For All Ireland's founder Bernard Mulvany explained that many of their members face difficulties as a result of government inaction. The demonstration will also highlight the logistical challenges faced by the disabled community on a daily basis, including the inaccessibility of public transport and Ireland's response to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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He told Dublin Live: "We want to tell government we've had enough of being ignored. We're convening on April 18 outside Leinster House and we want as many people to come as possible to express their anger at how they've been treated."
Access For All Ireland recently took part in another demonstration over the cost of living crisis. Kayleigh McEvitt, a disabled woman who lives in accomodation supplied by the Irish Wheelchair Association, gave a powerful speech on her predicament at the protest.
Bernard agreed that the community are struggling to get by in the current climate. He said one Access For All member receives a flat income of €880 a month to live off of, with over half of the total going towards their accommodation.
He said that government inaction has meant people with disabilities face discrimination in everyday life. He said the issue of accessible transport is particularly worrying for disabled people.
Irish Rail currently requests that disabled people intending to travel should contact relevant stations 24 hours before their departure. Bernard argued that it restricts a group who are heavily reliant on public transport.
He said: "The 24 hour notice for public transport terrifies the community. It's an unfair position to put on a group in society, we need to make transport more equitable for everyone."
The demonstration by Physical Impairment Ireland will take place at 2pm on April 18 outside Leinster House. Access For All Ireland will be in attendance, with speakers expected to recount their personal experiences on the day.
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