The Labour TD for Galway West, Mr Michael D. Higgins, has called on Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats to honour the commitments made during the general election campaign in relation to a rights-based approach to disability.
Mr Higgins, who was commenting on a report in last week's column on a crisis in support services for newborns with intellectual disabilities in Galway, said such issues would define the character of the new Government for the next five years.
A public commitment had been given to address this short-term crisis and also to accept a rights-based approach in legislation, Mr Higgins said. "So far, neither of these commitments have been fulfilled".
The resolution of this issue would not wait until the autumn, he said.
In addition, it was an "indictment" of the Government that a purpose-built centre on the Ballybane complex run by the Brothers of Charity in Galway could not be opened to offer day- care programmes for young adults, Mr Higgins said.
This was because no Government finance had been allocated to staff it, furnish it and equip it. "It graphically reveals where the Government's interest lies," Mr Higgins said.