Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Certainly, the response of the Minister of State is no comfort to the parents of autistic children in Kerry. The Minister of State said that the facility was built for nine people and that the standard regulation within HIQA is for four people. I have been told that the facility is capable of meeting the HIQA regulations limiting the number to four residents.

One thing that disappoints and frustrates me, along with other Deputies, is that we constantly raise issues regarding people with disabilities. I brought up the issue regarding a centre in Listowel where there are four parents in their 70s with four adult children with physical and mental disabilities. Yet there is nothing for them there. The parents are there facing death some time down the road but they do not know what will happen to their children afterwards. The case is similar with regard to the autistic children - they are autistic adults now. Their parents have provided an extraordinary service to the State. They have saved the State millions throughout the island but they now find themselves in their 60s or 70s. They are looking back at their adult children but they do not know what will happen to them.

I have heard the excuse that the HSE looks at every issue. The HSE is not delivering for these parents and adult children. Something has to be done. Some commitment has to be forthcoming from the Government to give assurance to the parents that they will be secure. The State can never repay them for what they have saved the State. The same applies throughout the island. Parents and other siblings who have been so good to the person with disabilities and who have brought them through find themselves in this position. I was hoping for a better response than the response given by the Minister of State. Although I do not blame him personally, I am certainly blaming the Government.

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