Madam, – The protest last week by those with an intellectual disability highlights once again the ambivalent attitudes of politicians and political leaders.
No doubt there is not a single TD living who could not have been moved by the sight of those protesting last week. However, it is clear by recent events that TDs see no votes in disability and so self-interest reigns.
While this Government has many failings, there is however, one area of success – the establishment of the HSE. The HSE is a perfect political buffer between the citizens and those charged with responsibility for delivering health services. However, parents of those with a disability are faced with a triple chevaux de frise– the service provider blames the HSE which in turn blames Government policy. Meanwhile, services are reduced and families suffer.
At the protest, many politicians (mainly Opposition ones) mingled with the protesters, however, none offered a clear policy as to how the issue of funding services for people with a disability will be addressed in a future government and none committed to enact the postponed raft of legislation and regulations that have been deliberately set aside by the current Government. – Yours, etc,