People with a disability will be able to employ trained advocates to seek their entitlements under a new scheme launched yesterday.
Comhairle, the State-funded information and advice agency, is funding 13 projects in the voluntary sector to champion the rights of people with a disability.
Almost €2 million in funding is being provided to the organisations to provide a professional advocacy service. Among those the advocates will represent are people with dementia, those wishing to move into independent living, people in long-term residential services and young people with learning disabilities who are completing education or training.
Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan said new funding and guidelines for advocacy services would highlight the rights of disabled people and ensure they are claiming their entitlements in full.
"A proper, professional advocacy service is central to championing the rights of those with disabilities, particularly people who may feel at a disadvantage when claiming their entitlements." He said the programme would be extended in the next few years.
Among those groups who will benefit are the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Schizophrenia Ireland, MS Ireland and Cheshire Community Services.
