Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to focus on one part of the motion, namely, the in loco parentisclause contained in the contracts for home-care packages for children with complex and life-limiting needs.

This policy is shameful and uncaring and it mandates the families of sick children to stay in their homes during nursing visits. It has rendered home-care packages ineffective. The benefits have been marred and, regrettably, an environment of suspicion, tension and mistrust has been created between the provider and the family. This is something which is very close to my heart and on which I have campaigned for more than two years. I implore Members to vote to put an end to a policy, the only purpose of which is to cause immeasurable distress and anxiety to the families of some of our sickest children. Vótáil chun deireadh a chur leis an chleachtas náireach seo.

At the core of this motion are the rights and entitlements of a group which is often among the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. It does not need to be this way. People with disabilities are not defined by them. In fact, they are some of the most inspirational individuals I have ever known and often argue that they have a responsibility to the abilities they in fact possess. As legislators, we also have an obligation to them. I say to the House that if it supports the motion, it will show its support for people with disabilities and their right to reach their full potential. Let us act after the motion passes in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

See this speech in context