Sir, – Carl O’Brien (Front page, August 16th) once again highlights the desperate situation facing families of children and adults with intellectual disability and autism in Ireland.
The situation regarding the non-inspection of, and the absence of registration for residential facilities has been highlighted by parents for years. Successive governments have ignored our concerns and demands for a robust system of inspection and regulation of this area.
The recent case of abuse, in Winterbourne View (a residential home in the UK) highlights the need not only for inspection and registration but for a transparent system of monitoring and accountability.
The Government is “examining” a system of registration and standards for residential facilities for adults with intellectual disability. However, it is clear from our reading of discussion documents and reports that it intends to decouple “registration” from “standards”. It is also clear that the residents’ welfare and safety will not be at the centre of this process.
Parents have been excluded from meaningful discussions on the development of standards and inspections. To date, no commitment has been forthcoming to address our concerns and to engage with us in developing an inspection system that meets the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Sadly, most parents say with great reluctance, that they would prefer that their child would “go first”. Is it not unthinkable for any parent to wish for the death of their own child? However, such is the fear of the future that this seems preferable to a life in a residential facility without the appropriate legal framework to protect and safeguard the most vulnerable in society.
Already this year we see the Government’s failure to meet the needs of school-leavers. Parents are experiencing significant cutbacks in services and supports. The future is not bright for those with intellectual disability or autism.
With respect to Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore I would have thought that the most pressing human rights issue facing this country is the plight of our citizens with intellectual disability and autism. – Yours, etc,