Madam, - I have to strongly disagree with your Editorial on disabilities (May 14th).
This Government does not care about services to people with disabilities. It has had two years since the last general election to assist the estimated 1,400 people seeking residential and respite care. These are the priority cases, with another 1,600 on waiting lists. It is not a huge number yet they have had to wait and wait.
The Government has squandered up to €60 million of taxpayers' money on the electronic voting fiasco and €157 million clearing a site at Abbotstown. There is no shortage of money for these projects.
Once-off payments to people with intellectual disabilities is not the way forward. We need proper planning and adequate investment. It is no longer a question of resources. The finance is obviously there.
If this Government was serious about people with disabilities it could clear the waiting lists and bring in a rights-based Disability Bill in a matter of months. Why, after two years in power, are we still waiting for a Disability Bill? - Yours, etc.,
FINIAN McGRATH, TD, (Independent), Dáil Éireann, Baile Átha Cliath 2.