A disability support group has called on the Government to back up the new Disability Bill with extra resources.
Namhi made the call at the launch of its pre-budget submission in Dublin today.
The group wants an end to the waiting lists for residential services, proposing 1,500 new residential places over the next three years and an increase in the number of respite places for children and adults by 600 over three years.
It proposes a sum of at least €80 million revenue and €40 million capital to start this investment programme in 2005.
Namhi also wants the Government to complete the programme to transfer people with an intellectual disability inappropriately placed in psychiatric hospitals. It estimates that there are 330 people requiring placement. It wants at least €20 million revenue and equivalent capital sum to be ring fenced for this in 2005.
Other proposals include the introduction of a code of standards for disability services, requiring €1 million in 2005, an end to means testing of the Carers' Allowance at an estimated cost in 2005 of €150 million, and an extension of the disability allowance to the estimated 2,000 people living in institutions without a State income.
Speaking at the launch, Namhi President, Mr Stephen Kealy, said the group wanted to see the money from the multi-annual package promised by the Taoiseach at the launch of the disability strategy earlier in the year. This is necessary if the Bill is to have any meaningful impact, he said.
Namhi is a co-ordinating umbrella body for 160 organisations that provide services to 28,000 people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. It works to promote the rights of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland, to ensure their full and equal participation in society.