Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Ó Laoghaire. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion on what is a very important issue. It is especially so when we consider the litany of disastrous cuts which families of children who are ill or have a disability have endured over recent years, such as the removal of medical cards and cuts to the respite grant. The Government eventually backtracked on these shameful policies but that was because of a public outcry. The difficulties for these families are huge and it was a shocking insight into the attitude of this Government towards the families. It now has an opportunity to put it right, however, with tonight's motion.

What will the Government do? Will it kick it down the road again like with so many other issues? Will it postpone it? If it does that, what does it say about the Minister? What does it say about this Government? Have they no compassion? Have they any idea of what these families and their sick children have been through?

See this speech in context