Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The big difference between Sinn Féin and the Taoiseach's party is that we believe people have rights. When I have asked the Taoiseach about this matter in the past, he has said people do not have the right to get things for free. That is line out of the rule book of right-wing ideology according to Margaret Thatcher. The Taoiseach is familiar with Sam, who lives in Louth and who is years old. Sam has severe autism and complex needs and his behaviour is challenging. His mother is battling for him to receive access to respite care. His family is exhausted, stressed and worried about his future care. Sam's mother has met Ministers and the HSE. She also met the Taoiseach. I have raised Sam's lack of access to any kind of respite services with the Taoiseach previously. However, Sam is still invisible to the Government. Sam has rights and needs. He is a citizen. Will the Taoiseach not become a Taoiseach for all of the Sams in our society and for all of their sister citizens? Instead of being a Taoiseach for the elites, will he not become a Taoiseach for the homeless?

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