"Massive Wait Lists For Residential Placements Shows People With Disabilities Left Behind Yet Again"- Tóibín

There are currently 1,205 applications for residential placement for people with disabilities, according to statistics released to the political party Aontú.

Speaking today, Aontú leader and Meath West TD, Peadar Tóibín said:

"The multi-year development funding needs to be urgently reinstated. We need proper data on the waiting lists, and a county-by-county breakdown on the figure. Raising a child with a disability can be very challenging, and it is imperative that the State offer significant support to families in that situation. Child on parent violence is a real phenomenon and many parents are feeling worn out and tired".
Deputy Tóibín continued: "The neglect of people with disabilities - especially children - during the pandemic is unforgivable. What we had at that time was a government decision to close special schools and then redeploy multi-disciplinary therapists to contact tracing roles. The most vulnerable were left the most exposed during the pandemic".

"Given the extent to which many childrens' conditions regressed as a result of the decisions taken during the pandemic, and the extent to which parents struggled alone at that time, Aontú would now call on the government to extend residential placements and respite services and ensure a swift processing of these backlogs. Family carers need support and acknowledgement for all that they did during the pandemic and the extraordinary care that they provide on a daily basis", concluded Deputy Tóibín.
ENDS

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.