Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the reply. The installation of a ceiling hoist would make such a difference to Emily and her family. It would mean that Emily would not be in so much pain and neither would her mum. Also, the house would be a safer environment for Emily and her family. At the end of the day, this child is in the care of the State but she is also in the care of her parents. If she had to be put into State care it would cost a fortune. Emily's parents are doing their utmost for her every day of the week. This is a funding issue. The ceiling hoist is not being refused on health and safety grounds.

The Minister of State mentioned in her reply that ceiling hoist systems are not generally available through HSE Waterford Aids and Appliances but they are available in other counties. I cannot understand that. Why this item, which would make Emily's life and that of her parents so much easier, cannot be given to her does not make sense in this day and age. It is a sad reflection of the society we are living in that a brain damaged child who cannot walk, talk, eat or speak and is incontinent is being refused a ceiling track hoist that would make her life a little easier. As I said earlier, I take no pleasure in having to raise this matter in the Dáil. It is wrong that I have to raise on the floor of the Dáil the provision of equipment for a child, which should be a fundamental right. All Emily's parents want is a normal happy life with their two children, one of whom is, unfortunately, brain damaged. It would make life so much easier on them to have a ceiling hoist installed. I have also raised this issue with the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. I am appealing to all involved to ensure that common sense prevails such that this child can have a ceiling track hoist installed in her home thereby making her life, which is tough enough as it is, that little bit easier.

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