Focus on carers in upcoming elections

A chara, – During the recent referendums, we heard politicians advocating for Yes votes talking about the value of care within the family, with precious little practical improvements in the intervening period.

These same politicians will once again be paying lip-service to the importance of family care while out canvassing in the upcoming local and European elections.

The recent good weather has given people the opportunity to get out and about in their locality, which is a luxury not enjoyed by all our citizens due to Government inaction at local and national level. Some people with disabilities and elderly citizens can be excluded from activities that other freely enjoy, such as going to the beach or enjoying a nature walk.

Accessibility at county council level could be easily rectified, through simple measures such as handrails and additional seating on walking trails, and extra ramps to access beaches.

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We have seen excellent road infrastructure improvements in recent years to facilitate cyclists, so clearly if the political will is there, enhanced accessibility to amenities can be achieved.

If the Government really valued care, they could also remove the means test for the carer’s allowance.

It is high time that our marginalised, disabled and elderly citizens are afforded the same opportunities that others take for granted. – Yours, etc,

EAMONN O’ HARA,

Manorcunningham,

Co Donegal.