Cutting local tax exemptions for relatives of people with disabilities is an ill-advised measure, European Parliament Vice-President Nicolae Stefanuta said on Friday at a press conference held together with Katrin Langensiepen (Greens, Germany), Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

'Many of us are parents, relatives, grandparents in families where there is autism or other needs, and relatives are not helped enough. For many, this is almost a full-time job. I deplore the decision to cut local tax exemptions - such as those on housing and cars - for the relatives of people with disabilities. It is a wrong decision because it affects the little help these families receive,' he said.

Stefanuta noted that more than one million Romanians live with disabilities and that the new measures 'hit the wrong people'. He also pointed out that only between 1% and 4% of people diagnosed with autism in Romania are integrated into the labour market.

'I don't think they are respected at the moment. They don't need pity - they need possibilities. For example, assistive technology in schools, facilities. There are many areas where investment is needed, and we must invest,' he added.

Katrin Langensiepen said she had observed at political level that when it comes to reforms benefiting people with disabilities, 'few people want to commit; everyone says it's hard, everyone passes the matter from one ministry to another, everything is 'not possible' in Romania.'

She stressed that around 100 million people in the EU live with disabilities, yet remain 'invisible' to authorities and are often used only during political campaigns.

'When we talk about caring for a child with disabilities, the mother becomes the caregiver. It becomes her responsibility. Women give up their jobs to stay at home and do things that a government, a society should do - provide the opportunity for an independent life,' she said.

Langensiepen added that where democratic standards are weak, people with disabilities are the first to be forgotten. 'When human rights erode and hierarchies appear - and there are figures showing this - people with disabilities are the most neglected,' she said.

The EMPL Vice-Chair also warned that there is no rescue plan in place for people with disabilities in the event of a disaster. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)