Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Tonight's motion concerns the rights of those with disabilities to lead equal and dignified lives. Andrew O'Malley is 33 years. Two years ago, he had an accident in Sligo that left him paralysed from the neck down. He was stabilised in Sligo because it was the nearest hospital and was admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, NRH, in June last year where he received great care. In September 2017, the NRH discharged Andrew O'Malley but the HSE said the only place for Andrew to go was back to Sligo because that was the only place with a legal obligation to take him, as the admitting hospital. The Sligo hospital said that he would live in its intensive care unit, which was obviously not the place for him to be.

Andrew's care at the NRH has now been reduced and it is keen for him to move on but the HSE has done nothing. I brought Andrew's case to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Harris, who connected me to the HSE's national disability team led by Dr. Cathal Morgan. Dr. Morgan and I spoke in January and I was assured that a suitable place for Andrew would be found but when neither I nor Andrew or his family heard anything from the HSE I wrote to Dr. Morgan asking for an update. I was assured my email would be brought to his attention. I wrote once again several weeks later, still seeking an update. Again, I was assured my email would be brought to his attention. Several weeks later, I wrote again imploring Dr. Morgan for an update. I was assured my email would be brought to his attention.

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