Mayo TD Beverley Flynn, has welcomed the assurances of the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, that frontline care services will not be reduced regardless of the cutbacks in HSE services.
She said she fully sympathised with those who protested at her office on Wednesday last over fears that those with physical and intellectual disabilities were facing a cutback in services.
"I am reassured that the Taoiseach has clearly stated that frontline services such as respite care will not be reduced in any way but I can well understand the fears of people who are finding it so hard to cope with the level of services existing already”, she said.
Deputy Flynn added that due to being in attendance in the Dail, she was not present at her office to personally meet with the members of Downs Syndrome Mayo, Disability Ireland and the AIRC group which co-ordinated the protest.
" I want them to know that my door is always open and I would be delighted to meet with them to discuss their concerns and to pledge my support", she said.
Deputy Flynn added that whatever economies are being sought in HSE expenditure, they should not be at the cost of frontline services to the vulnerable and the needy.
" There is ample room for cost containment in areas of administration without attempting to effect savings by cutting back on existing service levels", she said.
