Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick

Researching the social security system + socio-economic rights. SL @UlsterUniSchLaw. @WIPlive alum. *Rights rather than charity* Views all my own.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

Are you missing out on NHS Healthy Start?

Many families in Northern Ireland are and we want to change that!

#NHSHealthyStart
@NHSHealthyStart

[G.K. Thompson @GaryKThompson71]

@C_Fitz_ https://t.co/gDSpl7RvDV

[Michael Lorimer @MykeyLorimer]

@C_Fitz_ The tax changes were vindictive, designed to punish Disabled people for fighting cuts. The changes announced by Motability really make the scheme unaffordable for many. A fivefold increase in additional mileage costs punishes rural residents in particular.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

We have quite literally seen BILLIONS cut from the social security budget since 2010. What has been achieved? More poverty and hardship, more young people out of work, worse health. There is now deep structural inequality which is being ignored in favour of more cuts.

[IceCold @BiBetty3]

Why constantly pick apart welfare? Why are we not hearing debates about how difficult it is for many, especially disabled people, to get a job and not still need UC to top up their wages. Targeting benefits only will never solve this problem! #jeremyvine

[Sheena McMullen @mcmullen_sheena]

📢ICYMI: Last week, JRF launched the Disability and Poverty in NI report. This work was supported by an amazing Research Advisory Group & key organisations involved in providing support services in NI. You can hear some of their thoughts below & find the full report in this 🧵

[Becca Jiggens's viva will be in June♿️ 🇵🇸 🇱🇧 @beccajiggens]

I often work with people in horrific employment situations looking for alternative work. It takes people who are currently employed 6-9 months to find a new job, and most end up with a 10-20% pay cut.
The job market is horrific.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

@smx_pd @OccupyNN Due to her disability she needs a certain type of car to meet her needs. There's no "choice" in it.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

Due to the changes to motability, my aunt who is disabled, was told she would have to pay £4k for a specially adapted car seat. She could afford this significant outlay to continue to go to work. Many will not be able to afford this & a car is essential in rural NI.

[Liz Clements @LizClements]

For heaven's sake @LBC & @BBCRadio4, please stop giving @Jeremy_Hunt platform to display his ignorance about benefits system. PIP is NOT an out of work benefit, it supports claimants with extra costs of living with a disability. Many recipients rely on it in order to stay in work

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

@smx_pd @OccupyNN She was only offered a choice of two cars due to her disability. Neither of them luxury. You clearly don't understand how it works & your "reading" is completely inaccurate. She has a significant physical disability.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

@smx_pd @OccupyNN To her it's a lifeline and a way of getting to work. Without it she would have to stay at home. It's not just a "new free car"

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

@smx_pd @OccupyNN All you are displaying here is your ignorance. The changes to motability means that it's harder for disabled people to access adaptions to their car to get them to work. Being disabled comes with a high price tag.

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

@DianeCampb58068 I didn't Diane, what did it cover?

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

I am happy to be a taxpayer, whose taxes are used for a social security system. I may need it someday.

[Paul Lewis @paullewismoney]

Is it just me who is very happy that the taxes I pay are in part used to pay social security benefits to people who need them?

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

This is an important case. This is excellent journalism from @taramillstv & @NewsDeclan and you should listen: https://t.co/Tsd5SJPrpP

[Northern Ireland Anti Poverty Network @NIAntiPov]

Michelle Clancy and Donna Coyle spoke about NIAPN's campaign for a free school day at @Trussell_NI.'s pathway event. The cost of uniforms and school dinners are creating significant hardship for our children.

[Ryan Hendry @RyanTalksAutism]

PIP is completely unrelated to your employment status.

And anyone who insists that it does is a liar, plain and simple.

PIP in no way affects your employment in any way.

[Women's Support Net @WSN_NI]

As part of our 'Mental Health Matters for Women' research we asked women what mental health supports they would like to see in place. Many of the suggestions focused on early intervention and prevention work

[Resolution Foundation @resfoundation]

Four-in-ten NEETs are not receiving means-tested benefits. In fact, the share of NEETs claiming means-tested benefits has remained stable in recent years.

So, any theory for what is driving up the NEET rate can’t only blame the benefits system.

Read the full analysis➡️ https://t.co/Rbke4Eviwb

[Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick @C_Fitz_]

A big good morning & thank you to the MPs who said to Pat McFadden & cronies "Who can we tax" to save the welfare state.

[Chris Donnelly @chrisadonnelly]

DUP throwing workers under the bus whilst pocketing a massive pay rise for its MLAs.

Those who soon will be called to beat the drum & stack pallets high would do well to challenge their political reps on how opposing this bill will help ordinary people.

[Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf_uk]

With more than 1 in 4 people living with a disability or limiting condition in Northern Ireland, action to tackle the ‘disability price tag’ cannot wait.

Read our full report here: https://t.co/QSu5vom419